The high skill level, strong work ethic, and loyalty of the workforce in Mississippi are important factors in the company wanting to remain a major employer in the area.
Bill Wittenberg, President and CEO, Berkline/BenchCraft

Berkline/BenchCraft has increased its manufacturing capacity by two more production lines at their Blue Mountain, Mississippi facility, effective September 10, 2006. The company started a night shift on August 27, 2006 at the Blue Mountain facility with the move of the first two lines from its Ripley, Mississippi facility. Company officials said the start-up had been very successful and will result in additional production lines being added to the night shift within the next six weeks.

The company said the competitive environment in the furniture industry continues to require decrease overhead while preserving the skilled level employees. "The high skill level, strong work ethic, and loyalty of the workforce in Mississippi are important factors in the company wanting to remain a major employer in the area. Our recent consolidation of the Ripley, Mississippi plant and the closure of the Baldwyn, Mississippi plant was a way we as a company could reduce our overhead costs significantly and ensures the preservation of jobs in Mississippi," stated Bill Wittenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Berkline/BenchCraft, LLC.