Furniture Factory Gets New Life

February 27, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on February 2007 A Vaughan-Bassett factory near Marion, Va., that closed in January will return to production as a result of a decision by Wellborn Cabinet to invest $3 million and create 100 jobs in the Smyth County building, Virgina Gov. Tim Kaine announced Tuesday.

In the announcement, officials noted that giving the factory new life goes against a long-standing trend of factory shutdowns in the region.

“It is crucial to replace the loss of an older business in the region, and Wellborn Cabinet fits the bill as an established, successful company,” Kaine said in a statement.

The January shutdown of the factory idled 60 workers, and Kaine said Wellborn selected the site after considering locations in Kentucky, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Ashland, Ala.-based Wellborn has been making kitchen and bath cabinets for more than 45 years. Company Chairman and President Paul Wellborn said the company selected Virginia due to its experienced employee base, nearby lumber sources and support from Smyth County and the state. Virginia will provide more than $150,000 to assist the county with the project, and the company will be eligible for additional assistance, including job training.