By Herald Staff

PAOLI — Best Home Furnishings announced Monday the expansion of its Paoli operations.

According to a news release, "the growth of this facility will drive the company to create as many as 100 to 125 new jobs over an extended hiring period that include upholstery, frame and mechanism assembly, upholstery prep and sewing positions."

The announcement comes on the heels of Best receiving grants from the Town of Paoli, secured in collaboration with Orange County Economic Development Partnership and Indiana Economic Development Corp.

“We are thrilled to see the growth of Best Home Furnishings in the Paoli community,” stated Kristal Painter, executive director of the Orange County Economic Development Partnership. “Best has been a model community partner for decades and we look forward to supporting them during this expansion phase.”

Best will host a career fair at the Paoli facility, which is located at 1700 W. Willowcreek Road. The event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from noon to 4 p.m. The career fair will give interested candidates the opportunity to speak with managers and supervisors about job openings, and allow them to take a personalized tour through Best’s manufacturing facility. Qualified individuals will be hired on the spot. Additional steps are being taken to add COVID-19 safeguards, including health screenings, social distancing and providing face coverings.

Despite a pandemic, nationwide furloughs and supply chain disruptions, Best Home Furnishings boasts unprecedented growth in demand for their residential furniture products. The company, headquartered in Ferdinand, Indiana, saw an 85% increase in September orders over the same time last year and from Aug. 30 through Sept. 5 the company set a record for orders received. The increase in demand has necessitated rapid expansion and hiring.

“The southern Indiana region continues to supply us with a large pool of skilled individuals who possess a strong work ethic,” said Brian Lange, president of Best Home Furnishings. “Since our acquisition of the Paoli plant twenty years ago this community and its workforce have been integral in achieving our output and quality goals. We don’t see the high demand for Best Home Furnishings products letting up any time soon. We are committed to building our Best team for the long-term.”

Established in 1962 and family-owned and operated, Best Home Furnishings is one of the largest furniture manufacturers in the world, ranking 13th on Furniture/Today’s list of “Key Sources for the U.S. Furniture Market.” Best has divisions in Ferdinand, Jasper, Paoli and Cannelton. Product lines include stationary sofas, reclining sofas, chairs, recliners and wooden glider rockers. For more information, visit www.BestHF.com.