Franklin, founder, president and chief executive officer of the Houston (Miss.)-based Franklin Corp. and a 1959 MSU industrial management graduate, said more than 50 percent of the furniture sold in the U.S. last year was manufactured offshore.

"We must respond in a positive and proactive way, and this center can be a huge part of that process," Franklin said. "This land-grant institution will raise the bar on lifting forward the furniture industry in Mississippi."

Lee said the institute will support the furniture industry "through research that aids in the design, production, marketing, and distribution of high quality products that meet the changing needs of families and businesses here and abroad. We will also offer technical support to deliver new technologies, methods, and findings to industry, help to ensure a high quality workforce, and educate future managers and leaders for the industry."