Viking Range's operations in Greenwood, MS, recently expanded to include one of the most highly-recognized appliance brands of luxury grills and outdoor kitchens, Lynx Grills. Viking and Lynx are both brands of Middleby Corporation, a global leader in the foodservice equipment industry, with an extensive portfolio of commercial, residential and outdoor equipment.
Productive teamwork by the Viking Range's current employees, the Office of Governor Phil Bryant, the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), Mississippi State University's Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension (CAVS-E), and others, all contributed to the Middleby Corporation's decision to relocate the Lynx headquarters to the Mississippi Delta. As a part of the team helping to provide assistance in relocating the headquarters and manufacturing facilities, CAVS-E was instrumental in the planning, design, and facilitation of the move. CAVS-E conducted a feasibility study of relocating the company from California to Mississippi. A digital scanning of both the California and Mississippi facilities was performed by CAVS-E staff, and they then created a conceptual layout for the space requirements of the new facility, as well as a detailed layout plan for the plant. CAVS-E staff also created a project schedule for operations using a Gantt chart, which provided a visual view of milestones and progress of projects and tasks, and they created a staffing plan for the company to assist with the roles and positions of workers in the manufacturing plant.
This new project is a $5 million corporate investment and is expected to create 200 jobs over the next five years. MDA is providing assistance with relocating equipment and building improvement. Both MDA and Cooperative Energy are providing assistance for workforce training, and the city of Greenwood, along with Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation, have committed funding for local incentives for the new location. From this new location, Lynx will be able to better serve customers on response and delivery times. Lynx also plans to make the first compliant grill for individuals with disabilities. CAVS-E has been excited to work on this project and is looking forward to a continued working relationship, as well as the future success of Lynx Grills.
For more information about the programs and services of CAVS-E, visit cavse.msstate.edu.
