There’s excitement in the county as Howard Power Solutions officially announces that it is coming to Quitman.
“Howard Industries is thrilled to expand our footprint in Mississippi by purchasing this facility in the Quitman area. We look forward to opening this facility and partnering with the people of Clarke County to produce high-quality products sold worldwide,” declared Michael Howard, CEO of Howard Industries. “We know that our success is thanks to the talent and dedication of our workforce. We are excited to be part of the Quitman/Clarke County community and look forward to being there for many years!"
Howard Industries was founded in 1986 and has grown substantially over the years. Over the past five decades, the company has grown to become the leading manufacturer of distribution transformers, with over 10 million transformers in service throughout the United States and abroad. Headquartered in Laurel, MS, the company’s main facility has 2.3 million square feet under one roof, making it the largest transformer plant in the world. In April 2005, Howard Substation Transformers was opened nearby in Ellisville, MS, to manufacture transformers with higher MVA and voltage ratings. The Power Solutions Division of Howard Industries is a leading provider of transformers and other major electrical power equipment, serving the needs of electric utilities, REA’s, Municipals, and industrial/commercial customers worldwide. Our engineering and manufacturing facilities are in Laurel, Mississippi; Ellisville, Mississippi; Sandersville, Mississippi; Mendenhall, Mississippi and Quitman, Mississippi. They also have other industries, including Howard Technology Solutions, Howard Lighting, and Howard Transportation.
They already have a location in the City of Quitman and have plans that will provide room for expansion and offer employment to hundreds in the county. They are purchasing an existing manufacturing facility from the county on the previous Nazareth Knitting site. They will also be adding 170,000 square feet of manufacturing space to its transformer production with room to expand further. The building they purchased is now being prepared to begin manufacturing assemblies for distribution class transformers. The transformers being made are the grey devices seen on the utility poles or green metal boxes seen in yards. They convert power from higher voltages on power lines to lower voltages to give single-phase power to houses for three power for industrial/commercial sites. This manufacturing facility will eventually employ around 100-200 people in good paying technical jobs once it is fully deployed.
While most people already knew about the industry coming, the decision was made to make sure everything was going through correctly before an official announcement was declared.
“We agreed to wait until the proper legal documents were signed to make this announcement. That is now complete,” proclaimed Fred Blackledge, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee. “People living here can finally come home and work rather than drive long distances to find meaningful jobs.”
The county is ecstatic about the business coming.
“My colleagues on the BOS and I are pleased to join in welcoming Howard Industries to our County,” expressed Joel Speed, President of the Board of Supervisors. “They are a National and International provider of a variety of products.”
The City of Quitman is also elated about the growing industry coming to Quitman.
“These incredible jobs will lead to careers that change the lives of men, women, and children for many years to come,” stated Quitman Mayor Steve Watkins.
They will soon be hiring, and there are multiple ways to apply for a job at the new Quitman facility: visit howard.com and choose “Careers”, visit the link https://www.howard-ind.com/JobApplication/ViewJobOpenings.aspx), or scan the QR code below. For other job opportunities, visit the careers website at https://www.howard.com/careers/index.cfm.
