SUFFOLK, Va. —
Juvenile manufacturer Flexa Furniture is expanding its U.S. operations here, investing about $6 million, according to published reports.

Local newspapers report the Industrial Development Authority has agreed to sell Flexa 9.5 acres in Suffolk Industrial Park, where an 88,000-square-foot facility will encompass production, office and warehouse operations. The company would be able to add a 69,000-square-foot facility later.

Denmark-based Flexa opened its only U.S. plant in nearby Wilroy Industrial Park in 2002. The company is the leading youth furniture manufacturer in Europe, according to U.S. President Peder Sorensen. Established in 1972, Flexa’s products are sold at 3,500 retail outlets in more than 60 countries around the globe.

“Flexa has enjoyed aggressive sales growth since our move to Suffolk,” Sorensen said. “The decision to move a substantial part of our production from Europe to the United States has created a serious demand for more space.

“We are excited about our new facilities, which will allow us to stay in Suffolk for years to come,” he continued. “We expect to rapidly expand our workforce as sales grow,” estimating it would double to 50 workers in the next five years.

The Suffolk location has focused mainly on distribution, but this new space will allow more manufacturing.