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MISSISSIPPI INDUSTRIES
FOR THE BLIND
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MISSISSIPPI INDUSTRIES
FOR THE BLIND
2501 N. West St.
Jackson, MS 39216
ph: 1-866-859-4461
local: 601-984-3200
fax: 601-987-3892
sales@msblind.org |
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ABOUT MIB
MIB History
In 1928, the Mississippi Commission for the Blind was
formed to administer newly enacted legislation
authorizing the State to "aid the blind, whose training
is not otherwise provided for, in finding employment."
After Governor Paul B. Johnson, Sr. signed the act,
eight people who were blind started vocational training in
Jackson in the basement of the old mental hospital on
North State Street where they earned wages in the first
year of about $5 per week.
In 1942, a state agency, Mississippi Industries for the
Blind was founded through legislation and the agency
moved into 2501 N. West St. its current location.
Mississippi Industries for the Blind (MIB) was
established to provide employment and training for
Mississippians who are blind or visually impaired. The
primary employment provided was manufacturing brooms and
mops for sale to federal government customers under the
Wagner-O’Day Act which was enacted in 1938.
Since that time many new products were added providing
multiple types of employment to Mississippians who were
blind.
For example, in 1959 MIB began manufacturing barracks
bags for the Department of Defense under the Wagner-O’Day
Act. This item provided both assembly and sewing
employment. Since then other products such as equipment
belts, mattresses, cellulose sponge, shoring straps and
the bandoleer pouch have been manufactured in the
Jackson facility.
In 1981, a satellite manufacturing facility was started
in Meridian, MS. The original manufacturing in this
facility was for local companies such as Peavey
Electronics and Saunders manufacturing. Since then,
several products were added under AbilityOne. The expertise in
Meridian was in a different area from the Jackson
facility. The Meridian facility utilizes metal-working
processes and products. Jobs in this facility include
machine-operation of stamping presses, robotic welding
and various assembly operations such as drilling and
riveting.
In September 2010, MIB became ISO 9001 certified.
Through out its history, MIB has been known for its high
quality products and excellent workmanship. This
certification demonstrates this continuing commitment to
this quality emphasis.
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