VIDEO: American Furniture Employees Return to Work

ECRU, Miss. (WCBI) – A fire that did heavy damage to a portion of American Furniture’s facility last week slowed things down a little.

After missing only two work days, crew members clocked in Tuesday morning and got back to business.

Only the recliner plant reopened, but given the extent of the damage, the mood in Ecru was upbeat.

Workers were happy to come back to another day working for American Furniture.

It’s not completely “business as usual”, but American Furniture is back at work doing what they do best.

“I think that tells you a lot about their loyalty that they’re here,” said Merchandise Manager, Emily Bass.

Management says this positive work attitude comes from having good relationships with workers.

“There’s a great relationship out here on the floor,” continued Bass. “Everyone respects one another, and I think that’s a great thing to have.”

“I love my bosses,” said upholstery worker, Brooke Bedford. “I mean, we are always playing joke on each other all the time, but you know they are my bosses at the end of the day. You know, if I’m out of line they tell me.”

Just like management, workers were happy to clock back in with their co-workers.

“It feels good, you know, seeing my friends and everything back again, first of all having my job back. It feels good,” said furniture builder, Jesus Tinajero.

This kind of environment is what makes American Furniture employees passionate about their job, no matter what kind of disaster hits.

“This place is a great place to work,” described Bass. “Their supervisors are well respect, and our management is the best around.”

“Everybody helps everybody out. I see them everyday. It’s just a great atmosphere to be at,” added Tinajero.

The rebuilding process may be a long one, but employees are pressing on as if nothing happened.

“It’s just a bump in the road,” said Bedford. “We’re going to come back, and we’re going to come back stronger than ever. This is my family; I enjoy working here. I love coming here every single day.”

Management is looking to reopen the other plants in the facility as soon as possible.