08/31/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/31/2026 10:36
La-Z-Boy Incorporated, a global leader in both the retail and manufacture of residential furniture, today announced plans to invest $23 million and create up to 100 new jobs through a manufacturing expansion and the construction of a new distribution center in Neosho. The 150,000-square-foot facility will serve as a centralized distribution hub within the company's agile U.S. supply chain network.
"Missouri is proud to see La-Z-Boy Incorporated continue to invest and grow in Neosho, reinforcing the strength of our manufacturing industry and the talented workforce that keeps it moving forward," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "This expansion is another example of what's possible when great companies, strong communities, and hardworking Missourians come together. We appreciate La-Z-Boy Incorporated's continued commitment to our state and look forward to the new opportunities this investment will create for families and the Neosho community."
La-Z-Boy Incorporated is a leading retailer and manufacturer of high-quality, custom furniture that transforms the home. Founded on American heritage, the iconic La-Z-Boy brand has been synonymous with comfort, quality, and craftsmanship for nearly 100 years. As an end-to-end enterprise, the company manages every aspect of its business-from retail, manufacturing, and design to distribution and after-service care.
"As home to one of La-Z-Boy Incorporated's oldest manufacturing facilities, Neosho has been an integral part of our company for more than 50 years," said Melinda Whittington, Board Chair, President, and CEO of La-Z-Boy Incorporated. "This facility manufactures a significant portion of customized La-Z-Boy furniture and is critical in our ability to delight and inspire consumers. It was clear that expanding our presence in the city with a distribution center would deliver enhanced operational efficiencies for the enterprise and also fortify an already strong consumer experience."
For this expansion, La-Z-Boy Incorporated will benefit from the Missouri Works Program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. La-Z-Boy Incorporated is estimated to receive $356,304 through the Missouri Works Program subject to verification of program requirements.
"La-Z-Boy Incorporated's decision to expand in Neosho is a tremendous win for the community and Southwest Missouri," said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. "This commitment reflects the strength of Missouri's manufacturing sector, our skilled workforce, and the partnerships that help businesses grow and succeed. We're proud to support La-Z-Boy Incorporated's continued investment in Missouri and the new opportunities it will create for Missourians."
To support its growth in Neosho, La-Z-Boy Incorporated has recently increased the starting pay at its Neosho manufacturing facility to $20/hour. Those interested in joining the team can learn more about available positions and apply here.
What others are saying
"La-Z-Boy Incorporated's continued investment in Neosho reflects the strength of our workforce and the strong partnership that has existed between the company and our community for many years," said David Kennedy, Neosho City Manager. "As Neosho's largest manufacturing employer, La-Z-Boy Incorporated plays a vital role in our local economy, and we are grateful for their ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for our residents and contributing to the long-term success of our region."
"Grow Neosho and Neosho Land Development are proud to support La-Z-Boy Incorporated's continued growth and expansion in our community," said Warren Langland, CEO and Director of Economic Development for Grow Neosho. "This investment demonstrates the company's confidence in Neosho, the quality of our workforce, and the strength of the long-standing partnership between La-Z-Boy Incorporated and our community. As Neosho's largest manufacturing employer, La-Z-Boy Incorporated has been instrumental in creating jobs, supporting local families, and strengthening our regional economy. We sincerely appreciate their continued commitment to Neosho and look forward to working together as the company expands its operations and creates new opportunities for future generations."
About La-Z-Boy Incorporated
La-Z-Boy Incorporated brings timeless and modern furniture to life through a retail network of nearly 380 La-Z-Boy stores, including approximately 230 company-owned locations, and its digital platform at La-Z-Boy.com. Within the Wholesale segment, the company manufactures comfortable, high quality, custom furniture, with approximately 90% of its products produced in North America. Its Joybird® brand is an omnichannel retailer and manufacturer of modern, custom upholstered furniture, operating 16 U.S. stores. With a global team of about 10,000 employees, La-Z-Boy Incorporated was named to TIME's 2026 list of America's Most Iconic Companies and Newsweek's 2025 list of America's Best Retailers, ranking No. 1 in the furniture category. The company continues to shape the way people live by delivering the transformational power of comfort.
To learn more about La-Z-Boy Incorporated, visit la-z-boy.com.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri's businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED's current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED's website.
About the Missouri Works Program
As the state's number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.