Jobs saved in Mississippi after company decides not to move production to Mexico

City and chamber officials said Friday they are happy Eaton will not be moving any jobs from its Vicksburg plant to Mexico.

“After speaking with Eaton’s management today it became clear that they were no longer going to move the 50-plus jobs to Mexico as they had announced in July 2017,” said Pablo Diaz, the executive director for the Vicksburg-Warren Chamber of Commerce.

The company announced in July it planned to move two of it outdoor lighting production lines from Vicksburg to its lighting production facility in Juarez, Mexico, because of competitive market conditions. The move was expected to affect 50 to 70 people.

“Following further review, we’ve decided not to move forward with the plans as previously announced,” Ann Marie Halal, Eaton external communications manager, said in a written comment.

“There have been no employee reductions at Vicksburg related to the previous plans.”

She said Eaton has also announced plans to bring two new production lines to Vicksburg, but would not say if the move will result in new jobs.

“I applaud them on their business decision,” Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said. “That’s the greatest news I’ve heard for 2018 and going forward for the city of Vicksburg. I continue to say we have path to the future and it’s a great opportunity, but also at the same time I’m extremely glad for the families that would have been affected by layoffs.”

Diaz called the news awesome.

“This is great news for the workers at Eaton, for our community, and we are ecstatic at the good news. We believe Eaton’s reversal signals a recognition by industry that our county, city and country are moving fast towards a more friendly business environment that supports job retention and spurs further job creation.

“We stand ready as a community and as an economic development entity to support Eaton as they continue to succeed and grow in Vicksburg and Warren County.”

Eaton acquired Cooper Industries PLC, the parent company of the then- Cooper Lighting in Vicksburg, in a deal valued at an estimated $11.46 billion.

The plant’s 51-acre site on U.S. 61 South housed Westinghouse Electric from 1953 to 1982 and later Crouse Hinds until it became Cooper Lighting before its acquisition by Eaton.

News

Court: Women arrested must pay restitution for damage to Mississippi city hall fountain to avoid harsher consequences

News

One person injured in shooting involving Mississippi deputy

News

Two people arrested, accused of stealing internet cable bringing down service to small Mississippi airport, FAA

News

Mississippi Slumber store gives customers reason to rest easy when it comes to mattress shopping

News

Police release video of two people shooting into Mississippi residence Thursday night

News

Police investigating after man and woman found dead at Mississippi bus stop

News

Mississippi researchers optimistic after discovering possible link between Alzheimer’s and fat-transporting molecule

News

Saber-tooth tiger fossil found in Mississippi creek bed

News

Mississippi couple in their 90s found dead after police respond to home invasion

News

Questions surrounding future of Mississippi police dog spur debate on social media

News

‘Active death investigation’ launched after remains found by hunter last November identified

News

Joint Mississippi operation nets 14 arrests, discovery of loaded AR-15 style rifle and other illegal weapons

News

Mississippi man charged with girlfriend’s murder after body found in yard by passerby

News

Mississippi lake is producing record-breaking catches in 2024 — including monster catfish in April

News

Mississippi detainee found dead in county jail holding cell

News

‘Green hydrogen’ company looks to use Mississippi salt domes to become leader in burgeoning industry

News

Mississippi man killed after motorcycle crash on rural Mississippi highway

News

Mississippi man arrested in connection with 2023 commercial burglary

News

State officials say cause of propane tank explosion that killed four is ‘undetermined.’ Lawsuit against gas company moves forward.

News

Despite medical marijuana card, Mississippi man arrested on possession with intent to distribute charges. Passenger in car arrested, as well.

News

Mississippi city official fired after reportedly being found using fuel card that was to have been confiscated

News

Mississippi, Louisiana animal advocates alarmed after shopping cart full of puppies found beside dumpster

News

Forget porch pirate — suspect in custody after stealing entire Amazon van, wrecking it 40 miles away, officials say

News

Mississippi man wearing ankle monitor arrested after reportedly breaking into garage