Blauer Manufacturing, a manufacturer of clothing and protective wear for police officers, firefighters and public safety officials, will invest $2.4 million to relocate its operations to Batesville, Mississippi. The company’s expansion project is expected to create 125 jobs over three years to accommodate increased product demand.

Currently located in Lafayette County, Blauer is moving to the facility formerly occupied by Batesville Casket Company in Batesville. The company, which currently employs about 150 workers in Lafayette County, will relocate the existing jobs to Batesville.

“We are excited to showcase the Blauer brand with an appealing presence directly on Interstate I-55. The newly renovated building is double the size of our existing building with plenty of room to expand,” said Blauer Manufacturing President Michael Blauer. “Thank you to all the wonderful people of Mississippi for your support over the last 40 years. We look forward to a bright future.”

Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for building renovations and workforce training as an incentives. The Panola Partnership is providing assistance for start-up costs.

In addition, the city of Batesville and Panola County are providing a 10-year property tax abatement in support of the project. Panola County is also granting a Free Port Warehouse Inventory Tax exemption for the project.

Blauer has had operations in Lafayette County since 1997. The company plans to be operational in its new Batesville location in the third quarter of 2019.

“Blauer is a valued member of North Mississippi’s business community. The company’s decision to grow and create so many more jobs is a strong indicator of the success Blauer and other manufacturing companies enjoy in our state as a result of a supportive business climate and the best workforce in the nation,” Governor Phil Bryant said.

“By nearly doubling its workforce in North Mississippi, Blauer is demonstrating to the world a Mississippi location enables companies to win in today’s competitive global marketplace,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “We salute the teamwork of the Panola Partnership, Panola County and the city of Batesville which, along with the MDA team, proved instrumental in bringing 125 new careers to the people of North Mississippi.”