Liebherr, a global leader in construction equipment manufacturing, has officially broken ground on its new 1-million-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Tupelo, Mississippi. The company will invest $176 million in the Lee County business park and create 180 new jobs, with potential for expansion to 342 jobs in the future.

“Economic development is a team sport, and what we are seeing happening in the great state of Mississippi today is evidence that we have a great team,” said Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves during the groundbreaking ceremony. “This is going to be state-of-the-art, and it is something we can be proud of.”

Reeves emphasized the significance of Liebherr's decision, noting that the company could have chosen any location in North America but chose Tupelo. “This is a gigantic impact on this community,” he said.

The new facility, part of a long-term vision for the Lee County business park, is the first major project in the area following the Lee County Career & Technical Education Center. Community Development Foundation CEO David Rumbarger praised the development as a major milestone, recognizing the years of planning and collaboration behind The HIVE business park.

“The moment represents years of vision, collaboration and investment by our community and its partners at every level,” Rumbarger said.

Liebherr’s CEO Philipp Liebherr expressed enthusiasm for the project, recognizing its importance to the company’s U.S. operations. “If we can implement our ambitious plans, we see potential to create even more jobs here in Tupelo. But as my grandfather always said, ‘One step at a time,’” he stated.

Liebherr, which has been operating in the U.S. since 1970 and employs about 1,600 people across various locations, expects the facility to be completed by 2026. With significant infrastructure improvements already underway, including a $2.2 million contract for safety upgrades, the Lee County region anticipates a significant increase in business activity.

“This is a proud day for Tupelo and Lee County,” said Tupelo Mayor Todd Jordan. “Liebherr is the future cornerstone of The HIVE industrial park.”

As construction begins, Liebherr’s new facility is poised to contribute to the continued growth of the region, reinforcing Mississippi’s position as a business-friendly state with a skilled workforce.