Institutional Casework, Inc. Named 2026 Industry of the Year by Obion County Joint Economic Development Corporation

West Tennessee laboratory casework manufacturer recognized for investment, job growth and expansion in Union City

UNION CITY, Tenn., Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Institutional Casework, Inc. (ICI) has been named the 2026 Industry of the Year by the Obion County Joint Economic Development Corporation (JEDC). The award was presented Thursday, November 5, at the annual Obion County Chamber of Commerce Banquet. The banquet honors businesses and individuals who have contributed to Obion County's economic development through investment, growth and employment opportunities.

Built in Paris, grown in Union City

In its citation, the Chamber credited ICI's innovation, quality craftsmanship and commitment to excellence. It noted that the company's investments are "creating new opportunities for skilled workers while strengthening Obion County's industrial landscape."

ICI was founded in Paris, Tennessee, in February 2006 as a builder of wooden laboratory casework. The Paris plant remains the company's headquarters. In 2015, ICI expanded into Union City, purchasing the historic Lennox Building on East Reelfoot Avenue. The company turned it into a modern plant producing painted steel and stainless-steel laboratory cabinets, tables, and fume hoods for customers across the country.

"We are delighted and honored to receive this recognition from the JEDC and the Obion County Chamber of Commerce," said Marco Giunta, Operating Partner of Institutional Casework, Inc. "This award belongs to our people in Union City and Paris. Their skill and work ethic are what make ICI products stand out, and they are why we keep investing here."

Millions invested, more to come

ICI has invested millions of dollars upgrading its facilities and is committing millions more to advanced automation, including Salvagnini laser and panel-bending systems. The investment will expand ICI's production capacity and capabilities through 2030.

The company's workforce has tripled, from 40 to 120 employees, and ICI expects to grow by about 40 percent a year. A new line of phenolic resin casework will launch in Union City in early 2027.

ICI is also expanding beyond the laboratory into four divisions:

• ICI Scientific: laboratory casework, fume hoods and adaptable bench systems for research and education
• ICI Healthcare: secure casework for operating rooms, pharmacies and nurse stations, with RFID and biometric access
• ICI Safety: secure, tamper-resistant storage for schools, public institutions and military facilities
• ICI Command: control room consoles and technical furniture for utilities, energy and data centers

"Our goal is to be a major force in our industry by 2030, in laboratories, hospitals, schools and command centers," Giunta said. "We intend to get there from West Tennessee, creating more jobs and careers in Obion County and Henry County along the way."

"We are close to expanding our footprint into several strategic regions of the United States," Giunta added. "That will bring us closer to our clients and to the 85 dealers in our dealer network, so we can serve them faster and support their projects even better."

"Being part of this community's economic success means a great deal to our team," said Mike Hodge, Director of Human Resources at ICI. "We are hiring and growing, and we look forward to bringing more skilled careers to Union City."

About Institutional Casework, Inc.

Institutional Casework, Inc. (ICI) designs and manufactures casework for laboratories, healthcare facilities, schools, public institutions, and command centers. Founded in 2006, ICI is headquartered in Paris, Tennessee, and operates a metal manufacturing plant in Union City, Tennessee. All ICI products are made in America and built to AWI, SEFA and ETL standards.

Media contact

Institutional Casework, Inc. 1865 Highway 641 North, Paris, TN 38242
731-642-4251
[email protected] 

SOURCE Institutional Casework, Inc.