James Avery manufacturing facility is now hiring. Here's when it's set to open

Corpus Christi's James Avery manufacturing facility is set to open in July, city officials announced Thursday.

The Texas-based jewelry company's new facility, a 41,000-square-foot Artisan Center, is the fourth craftsman center in the state and will provide more than 200 jobs to the Coastal Bend.

The center will occupy a former military helicopter engine repair and testing facility, set to be remodeled, that the company bought on Junior Beck Drive.

"As we go forward, we're aiming toward a July time frame for initial operations," said Steve Perry, senior vice president of manufacturing for James Avery Artisan Jewelry, at a press conference hosted by the city. "We're going to start small and hire a small number of associates to begin with. As our remodeling gets complete and our long-lead time equipment starts coming in, then we'll start ramping up production."

Perry said the company will fill roles in leadership, entry-level production and support for the facility.

"It's going to be a full-service, full-operation, start-finish-stop manufacturing plant," he said.

Mayor Paulette Guajardo said the new facility will allow increased economic development for the city.

"While other Texas cities have slowed in growth during the last two years, Corpus Christi has seen a rise in economic development," Guajardo said. "We know how to do business, we want to do business, we welcome new business and we work with our partners."

Company President and COO Paul Zipp said through the investment in the Corpus Christi community, residents will be able to see what comes into a final product from the store.

"Corpus Christi is going to be able to actually see how those pieces come into being from the very basic elements all the way up," Zipp said. "We anticipate a long and valuable partnership for James Avery as well as the broader community of Corpus Christi."

To apply for one of the 200 positions at the new manufacturing facility, visit jamesavery.com/careers.

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John Oliva covers education and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva. Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.