Covington Holdings to move headquarters to Republic

Covington Holdings Inc., dba Ashley Furniture HomeStore, has plans to build a $1.7 million distribution center in Republic, a move expected to create 32 new jobs.

The center, which replaces a 20,000-square-foot warehouse in Springfield, would supply Ashley Furniture stores in Springfield and Joplin and house Covington's corporate offices, according to a Missouri Department of Economic Development news release.

Covington, which currently operates four stores in Missouri and Arkansas and employs 120, also would be better prepared for future growth with the expanded center.

The DED has authorized the company to receive an incentives package if it meets its job creation and investment goals, the release said.