LEE-ROWAN TO EXPAND AT JACKSON

JACKSON -- A Memphis, Tenn., industrial loss will be Jackson's gain.

Lee-Rowan Co., a manufacturer and distributor of home organization products, announced it will close its Memphis Systems Works plant that makes wood closet and utility storage units and combine the operation with its Jackson plant.

Four years ago a similar announcement was made. Then, the company transferred its St. Louis manufacturing operation to the Jackson plant, which manufactures metal storage and organizational products.

A dozen times since Lee-Rowan opened at Jackson 34 years ago, officials have gathered for expansion announcements. The latest came Tuesday when state, county and city officials met with company officials to make the announcement.

George Hamilton, Lee-Rowan president, said, "We'll start moving production equipment necessary for the wood-based operation Oct. 1 and be ready for new production at Jackson Nov. 1."

The latest operation will result in approximately 100 new jobs, said Hamilton. "Probably 80 percent of those jobs will be from the immediate area," he said. A number of workers from Memphis may move to Jackson.

"We gave the Memphis employees an opportunity to make the move," said Dale Sweere, vice president of human resources at Lee-Rowan. "Some indicated they would make the move."

Lee-Rowan has about 800,000 square feet under roof at Jackson.

"The company leased a 104,000-square-foot warehouse building in the same general vicinity," said Mitch Robinson, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association. Robinson served as master of ceremonies at Tuesday's announcement meeting at City Hall.

"A lot of people have been working on this project," said Robinson. "It has involved city, county and state officials."

"We currently employ about 800 at Jackson," said Hamilton. "The new jobs will put us over 900."

The Jackson plant is the largest of three Lee-Rowan plants. Lee-Rowan also operates manufacturing plants in Vista, Calif., and Watford, Ontario, Canada, each employing about 200 workers.

The decision to move from Memphis to Jackson was an easy one, said Hamilton. He said:

-- The location is well suited for shipping to customers.

-- The Jackson workforce is of proven quality.

-- The company has always had great cooperation and support from city and state officials.

The new products include the Systems Work wood closet storage units and Dorfile brand wall-mounted wood shelving.