Wellborn Cabinets cut the ribbon on its new First Haven Cabinetry facility in the Oxford West Industrial Park on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

Wellborn CEO Johnny Simpson said the 250,000 square foot plant, which began operations in August, employs 85 and can produce 1,000 cabinets per day. With future expansion of the full 60-acre site, production will double and the number of jobs will increase to 400.

Simpson added the facility is environmentally friendly by recycling 90 percent of waste.

“This is a big day for Oxford,” said Mayor Alton Craft. “This is something I have wanted for a long, long time.”

Craft said he has been impressed by the family-run and family-oriented business and their involvement in their hometown of Ashland, Alabama, and decided “these are the type of people we want in our community.”

Upon hearing Wellborn was looking for a new location, Craft said he contacted Calhoun County Economic Development Council director Don Hopper.

“All credit to Don and the EDC who kept their ears to the ground, and when they heard we might have a chance at getting Wellborn Cabinets, they jumped on it,” Craft said. “I am so proud Wellborn is here, and I thank the Welborn family.”

Wellborn Cabinets president and chairman of the board Paul Wellborn spoke of the struggles he and his brother, Paul, had in starting the company.

“What makes the struggles a lot easier is having good people around you,” Wellborn said. “I thank God for the people who have made this company what it is. It all comes from Him.”

“I want to thank everyone for bringing us here,” Wellborn said. “You have done a lot for us, and the Wellborn family and the employees appreciate it.”