The data shows 80-percent of the new jobs in any community are created by existing industry.
Clarksdale will see 25 new jobs with the announcement that Saf-T-Cart – a homegrown industry – will soon embark on a $1.5 million expansion at the plant that manufacturers steel carts and welding storage products.
“We started with nothing, just an idea for a product in the mid ‘80s,” said Saf-T-Cart founder Jimmy Walker, Sr. “We’ve had a lot of help from a lot of people in Clarksdale and from the state. It takes a lot of people to run our business. I want to thank them and my family for getting us here.”
Saf-T-Cart produces cylinder carts, cages, pallets, truck beds and trailers, traditionally for welding applications. The company’s plan is to construct an 18,000-square-foot addition onto its current 150,000-square-foot facility to accommodate its growing truck bed and trailer operations.
“Saf-T-Cart is very grateful to state, county and local officials who have all worked with us to help our business grow,” said Saf-T-Cart President Jimmy Walker, Jr. “This cooperation has allowed Saf-T-Cart to service its customers in all parts of North America directly from the Mississippi Delta. We are excited about our next building expansion and are looking forward to its completion, along with more employment from area citizens.”
The younger walker also said his father is the visionary who saw the need to expand the company and prepare it for the future.
“I’m an engineer and think in a straight line,” said son Jimmy. “Dad was the one who saw 20-30 years down the road. Projects like this are great, but it’s really about the people who work at Saf-T-Cart. I want to thank them and my family for this announcement.”
The Mississippi Development Authority and Coahoma County are providing assistance for building improvements and construction costs.
“MDA appreciates the team at Saf-T-Cart for bringing 25 new job opportunities to residents of the Mississippi Delta,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough. “Saf-T-Cart is a sterling example of a homegrown company achieving its goals in our state. This latest expansion is a win for the company, the area’s residents, and the local community, all of which will benefit from the company’s growth for years to come.”
Clarksdale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jon Levingston praised MDA and also the City of Clarksdale and Coahoma County Supervisors.
“A lot of people had a hand in this,” said Levingston. “The support of MDA was essential. I also want to point out the local support for every project we have brought to the city and county is critical.
“Many people say the best days of the Delta are behind us,” said Levingston. “I think if we choose to look forward and not backward. If we choose to act and take advantage of every opportunity before us – and today we have – our best days are before us.”
Founded in Clarksdale in 1986, Saf-T-Cart currently employs 90 workers. The company expects to complete its expansion by February 2020.
