Toombs County Development Authority Chair Tim Truxel announced Friday that Oxford Industries, Inc., a high-end clothing and apparel company, is planning to invest over $130 million in Phase 1 of a relocation and expansion project to construct and operate a new state-of-the-art, large-scale distribution facility on an almost 50-acre site in Toombs Corporate Center at U.S. Highway 1, Lyons, Georgia. Oxford expects that in connection with the expansion project and investment in the community, it will be adding over 60 new jobs to an already robust local workforce. The new facility is expected to support significant distribution and fulfillment capabilities for all of Oxford’s brands while accommodating additional capacity for future expansion opportunities.
“We are thrilled Oxford Industries, Inc., chose Toombs County for this milestone business venture,” said Chair Truxel. “The Company has been an outstanding corporate citizen in Toombs County since the 1940’s, supporting our local schools, families, and tax base. When they succeed, the entire community succeeds.”
Oxford is an international apparel design, sourcing, and marketing company that features a diverse portfolio of powerful lifestyle brands, over 300 company-owned retail stores and a strong ecommerce business. The company also has a complementary wholesale business through better department and specialty stores.
“We are pleased to be making the largest capital investment in our company’s history in Toombs County,” said Oxford Chairman and CEO, Tom Chubb. “Oxford has operated in Toombs County for nearly 80 years. We have a wonderful workforce that will be the backbone of our new operation, and we will continue to add additional jobs here.”
Mark Kirby, Oxford’s Senior Vice President-Operations added, “Toombs County has been a great place for Oxford for many years. This expanded facility, with convenient access to Southeastern U.S. ports, will increase our output capacity from 7 million units a year to more than 20 million units a year with enhanced delivery speeds to service our customers. We are excited to make this large investment here and to provide opportunities for the great workforce we already have as we continue to shift business into Toombs County.”
“This project is a great fit for our community,” said Toombs County Commission Chair David Sikes. “We are grateful for Oxford’s continued commitment to Toombs County.”
Mayor of Lyons Willis D. NeSmith, Jr., expressed his excitement about the project. “It is a testament to our community when industries decide to stay and grow with us. It reinforces the well-known fact that Toombs County fosters success.”
“Congratulations to the people of Toombs County and Oxford Industries on this exciting announcement,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Companies like Oxford can reach markets all across the country and world because of our reliable infrastructure network while creating opportunities for communities like Lyons to prosper. We’re thankful for the further growth they’re bringing to this part of our state.”
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About Oxford
Oxford Industries, Inc., a leader in the apparel industry, owns and markets the distinctive Tommy Bahama®, Lilly Pulitzer®, Johnny Was®, Southern Tide®, The Beaufort Bonnet Company®, Duck Head® and Jack Rogers® lifestyle brands.