Behind the Deal: Jabil

Powering Momentum in Mississippi   

Nestled in north-central Mississippi, Marshall County is experiencing an industrial and economic boom led by multi-billion-dollar investments in electric vehicle infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and logistics. 

The county’s latest win came in July, when American multinational manufacturer Jabil announced plans to establish its newest facility at the Chickasaw Trails Industrial Park. 

For local leaders like Justin Hall, executive director of Marshall County Industrial Development Authority, the $119 million investment affirms a long-term strategy of transforming the industrial park into a magnet for world-class investments. 

This vision, developed years ago, has been actively supported in collaboration with TVA’s Economic Development team and local partners. They came together to help Marshall County outcompete other regions for this transformative project. 

“It’s really a testament to all of the strategy and putting the pieces in place,” Hall said. “There was a lot of vision put into the park early on, and our partnerships with TVA, our local utilities and the Mississippi Development Authority have been great.”

Setting the Stage 

Strategically located near U.S. Highway 72, Mississippi Highway 302 and Interstate 269, Chickasaw Trails Industrial Park – a 5,500-acre industrial park – emerged in 2014 when a Danish building materials manufacturer, Rockwool International, launched operations at the site.

That ignited a spark of growth, with giants like Nike, Asics and Milwaukee Tools following suit. And in 2024, a $1.9 billion investment by Amplify Cell Technologies set a record in Marshall County for the largest annual payroll commitment in state history. 

In the same year, TVA Economic Development first engaged with Jabil on a medical device sterilization facility inside Chickasaw Trails. That initial project strengthened the relationship that made larger opportunities possible.

The following year, Jabil approached the state of Mississippi and Marshall County for another manufacturing opportunity. A building was identified in Chickasaw Trails as a potential fit and TVA began working with state leaders, the Marshall County IDA and Northcentral Electric Cooperative to determine if this building could support their operations within Jabil’s timeframe.

“[Jabil] showed interest in the building as they looked for a strategic location. We rolled right in with the relationship we had built and had great communication early on along with the Mississippi Development Authority and TVA,” Hall said.  

That building – a 1.5‑million‑square‑foot speculative facility built to attract large‑scale manufacturing and logistics operations – was one of the county’s major strategic bets that proved valuable. Its availability helped accelerate Jabil’s timeline and made Marshall County an immediate contender. 

In addition to the availability of a physical workspace, access to reliable power was also a deciding factor for Jabil’s investment. As part of a strategic effort to support long-term economic growth, TVA had previously expanded a 161-kilovolt power line to the southern portion of Chickasaw Trails. That forward-thinking investment by TVA opened the door to future opportunities. It ultimately helped position Marshall County to attract a wide range of industries over the years, including Jabil, and enabled the company to move quickly with its plans.

“This was a fast-paced project and the ability to set up operations quickly was a key driver,” Bryant Henley, regional consultant at TVA Economic Development said. “Power was an important piece of the puzzle for this large manufacturing facility. We worked closely with Northcentral and Jabil to determine their needs and provide a solution.” 

A Growing Future 

While infrastructure made the site competitive, workforce readiness helped solidify the county as a long‑term home for industry. 

TVA’s workforce initiatives play a major role in helping communities like Marshall County prepare for growth. In Marshall County, those efforts complement major investments already underway, including a 38,000‑square‑foot workforce training center operated by Northwest Mississippi Community College.

Beyond creating approximately 2,200 high-quality jobs, projects like Jabil are driving a broader transformation in the county, Hall said.

That quality‑of‑life boost is already visible as new subdivisions continue to rise near the industrial park. Restaurants, retail stores and service businesses are expanding. Developers are moving on hundreds of acres around the county. And more large‑scale industrial projects are already underway.

With Chickasaw Trails thriving and the nearby Springs Industrial Park developing into one of the Southeast’s most promising certified rail‑served sites, Marshall County is preparing for a future defined by growth, innovation and opportunity.

“The growth in Marshall County is exciting to see,” Henley said. “I anticipate this investment improving the quality of life for people in north Mississippi and the TVA territory for decades as it supports the local education system, parks, libraries and public safety.”