“We do anticipate that these layoffs will be temporary. We have entered into discussions with multiple multi-national corporations to provide manufacturing services on a long-term basis. A number of these prospective new customers have the potential to order significant enough quantities of various items to allow us to bring back all of our furloughed employees and perhaps generate additional jobs.””

Michael Mason, President of Golden Manufacturing since 1992

In a devastating blow to the local community, one of the largest employers in Tishomingo County has laid off its entire workforce due to a decline in available work.

Golden Manufacturing, a key player in the region’s manufacturing sector, had been employing many workers—mostly women—who specialized in sewing, stitching, trimming, and inspecting military uniforms.

Golden Manufacturing has a history of providing jackets and pants to the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy since the late 1970s. However, the recent layoffs have cast a shadow over the community.

The lack of work available has forced the company to let go of all its employees, leaving many families uncertain about their future.

This development is particularly troubling for Tishomingo County, which has relied heavily on Golden Manufacturing as a large source of employment.

Golden Manufacturing’s website is still active and has applications open for employment. On their home page, is a picture of 10 employees being honored for 20 years of service to the company.

Their website states: “Golden Manufacturing has been a well-respected name in the American apparel industry for more than forty years. Our Mississippi headquarters allows us to operate in a low overhead environment and offers direct access to some of the most experienced sewing operators in the country. We are looking to partner with proven organizations to develop mutually beneficial relationships that leverage and appreciate the value of ‘Made in America’ branding.”

Michael Mason, President of Golden Manufacturing since 1992, said the company is currently working to bring in new customers.

The company was put in the position to layoff its loyal employees due to a breach in contract by a large out-of-state customer.

“We do anticipate that these layoffs will be temporary,” Mason said. “We have entered into discussions with multiple multi-national corporations to provide manufacturing services on a long-term basis. A number of these prospective new customers have the potential to order significant enough quantities of various items to allow us to bring back all of our furloughed employees and perhaps generate additional jobs.”

If these contracts come to fruition, the employees will be back to work hopefully sooner rather than later; with the cost-of-living expenses any time off work can be unsettling, especially when the layoff came without warning.

Laid off employees declined to comment on the current situation.