Emerson opens $35 million manufacturing plant in Ash Flat
Governor Asa Hutchinson at Emerson’s Ash Flat facility (Photo courtesy of Lang Zimmerman)
ASH FLAT, Ark., July 29, 2022 – Joined by Arkansas State and local officials on Friday, Emerson (NYSE: EMR) celebrated the grand opening of its 277,000 square foot manufacturing facility at Ash Flat . Emerson has made a $35 million investment to transform the existing underutilized industrial structure into a modern manufacturing facility for its professional tools business, focusing primarily on the production of Greenlee® specialty tools and related products for electrical tradesmen in North America.
Emerson currently has more than 150 employees working at the site and plans to expand operations, with a goal of creating up to 285 total jobs at the site over the next four years.
“Today is the culmination of the strong partnerships we’ve forged over the past two years with local, state and federal organizations, and we deeply appreciate their support,” said Craig Sumner, President of Business Tools Division. of Emerson. “We look forward to building strong bonds here in the Ash Flat community and playing a leadership role in developing the next generation of skilled manufacturing workers in Arkansas.”
The Ash Flat location was selected by Emerson in 2020 for the quality labor available in the area and its proximity to the company’s Memphis distribution center, which will help reduce turnaround times. shipping products and materials, improving customer service and opportunities for growth while achieving operational excellence.
The project has received critical support from local, state, and federal partners, including Governor Asa Hutchison’s office, Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), Delta Regional Authority (DRA), Intermodal Authority Northeast Arkansas Region, City of Ash Flat, Sharp County, and many more.
“Emerson honored Arkansas by returning to the state and choosing Ash Flat for its expansion and new facility,” said Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. “With our state’s dedicated workforce and low operating costs, Emerson is proof that Arkansas has the tools to bring new and expanding businesses into their next stages of growth.”
“Arkansas continues to be one of the most financially strong states in the country,” Arkansas Commerce Secretary Mike Preston said. “Our diverse economy and business-friendly policies have kept our state open for business and we continue to see the results of those decisions as Emerson and similar companies have been able to invest in our state and create more jobs for Arkansans who work hard.”
Recruitment and hiring for various production positions and shifts continues as the plant expands production, including for assemblers, welders and CNC machine operators. Emerson has collaborated with Ozarka College in Melbourne on the development of workforce training programs to prepare students who wish to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing and to improve the skills of factory workers. For current job openings, visit emerson.com/en[1]us/careers and search for “Ash Flat”.
The new design and renovation of the facilities promotes environmental sustainability with a compact building footprint, the installation of water-saving devices, the use of energy-efficient LED lighting and energy-efficient variable-speed compressors. energy that powers the HVAC system. In addition to the manufacturing workshop, the renovation of the facilities also includes offices and a cafeteria.
Emerson’s professional tools business includes the Greenlee®, RIDGID® and Klauke® brands which provide the industry’s broadest portfolio of advanced and reliable tools and technology for the mechanical, electricity and plumbing in the world. For more information, visit emerson.com/professionaltools.
About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global technology and software company that provides innovative solutions to customers in industrial, commercial and residential markets. Our Automation Solutions business helps process, hybrid and discrete manufacturers maximize production, protect people and the environment while optimizing their energy and operating costs. Our Commercial & Residential Solutions business helps keep people comfortable and healthy, protect food quality and safety, advance energy efficiency and create sustainable infrastructure. For more information, visit Emerson.com.
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