Mississippi group honors Townhouse Home Furnishings

Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, November 22, 2011

WESPOINT, Miss. — Upholstery maker Townhouse Home Furnishings has been honored as the 2011 Industry of the Year by the North Mississippi Industrial Development Assn. for making a significant contribution to the community and the economy of the area and state.

The Smithville manufacturer is only the eighth furniture recipient to be honored by the association since the presentations began in the early 1980s. The award was presented at a ceremony and gala held here last week.

The group cited Townhouse's achievements including a rapid expansion in its workforce - 85% in the past two years - and the company's quick recovery after a devastating storm in May that leveled its manufacturing facility. No one was injured in the storm and according to company executive Mark Dauler, employees were back to work in two weeks.

The Mississippi group comprises electrical power distributors serving counties in northeast Mississippi, whose goal is to generate prospective businesses and industries and help them find sites.

The association has honored big names like Whirlpool and Georgia Pacific, and last year honored upholstery manufacturer Southern Motion. Other furniture award winners were Ashley (2002), Lane (2001), Flexsteel (1996), Franklin (1993), American Signature (1990) and Futorian (1983).