Virginia Governor Ralph Northam recently announced that Ison Furniture Manufacturing, Inc., a North Carolina-based furniture manufacturer, will invest $3.5 million to acquire and renovate the recently closed A.C. Furniture Co., Inc. facility in Pittsylvania County. The company will also purchase new equipment for the assembly and full production of its upholstered furniture products. The project is expected to create 150 new jobs.

The company’s supplier, Dogwood Global, LLC, will locate to a vacant 30,000-sq-ft building onsite. Dogwood will reportedly invest $500,000 in new equipment and add 45 new jobs to manufacture high-end wood tables and custom furniture frames that will be upholstered by Ison Furniture.

“We are pleased to welcome Ison Furniture Manufacturing and Dogwood Global to Southern Virginia,” said Northam. “Manufacturing is an important pillar of many communities across our Commonwealth and is key to rebuilding our economy in the wake of the ongoing global pandemic. The region’s strong history with textiles and furniture combined with the caliber of the existing upholstery and furniture-building workforce makes this project a natural fit for Pittsylvania County, and we look forward to the future success of this new operation.”

Ison Furniture Manufacturing produces contemporary furniture for consumer and hospitality markets. The company has two facilities in North Carolina; the new operation represents its first in Virginia. As part of the project, Ison will also utilize excess upholstery and sewing capacity at the facility to manufacture personal protective equipment products in support of the local COVID-19 response.

“Ison Furniture’s decision to establish its newest furniture production operation in Pittsylvania County is great news for Southern Virginia, and it demonstrates the infrastructure and workforce advantages that continue to attract high-quality manufacturers,” said Brian Ball, secretary of Commerce and Trade. “We thank Ison and supplier Dogwood Global for creating valuable job opportunities, and we are confident the region will deliver a sustainable talent pipeline to facilitate the growth of both companies.”

“Ison Furniture Manufacturing, Inc. is excited to become part of the historic Virginia furniture industry,” said Akira Ison, president. “Southern Virginia is known for having some of the finest furniture craftsmen in the country, and Virginia has led the way in providing a foundation for businesses and employees to grow and prosper together. Local and state government embraced our concept of designing a COVID-conscious facility, and our family-owned business looks forward to helping over 150 employees prosper and take care of their families.” 

For more information, visit www.vedp.org. Ison Furniture is online at www.architecturalhomecollection.com.