Hytrol Completes $12m Expansion Project

Hytrol hosted an Open House event last month to celebrate the completion of its $12 million expansion with a presentation, ribbon cutting, and group tour of the facility. Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin, members of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Mike Preston, and other community members were in attendance.

The expansion was announced in May 2015 and was completed earlier this year. The reinvestment into the company came partially as a result of the tremendous growth Hytrol saw in 2014 and 2015; the manufacturer experienced record sales numbers both years. In addition to the 62,000 square foot building expansion, the company invested in a new facility cooling system, 100 new parking spaces, a new paint system that more than doubles the company’s manufacturing capacity, new company equipment, and dozens of new permanent positions.

Hytrol is one of the top five employers in the Jonesboro area with nearly 1000 employees. Preston discussed the economic impact of the project and what it means for the state’s continued economic development efforts.

“Hytrol is a great example of an Arkansas-based manufacturing company that has created great jobs for Arkansans for decades,” said Preston. “Today we celebrate another very significant investment Hytrol made in northeast Arkansas and look forward to the impact these new jobs will have on area families. The technology that Hytrol continues to add to the Jonesboro facility keeps the company on the forefront of 21st-century manufacturing.”

Hytrol president David Peacock touched on the project’s importance for the future of Hytrol, its Integration Partner Network, and the community of northeast Arkansas.

“Hytrol is the largest material handling manufacturer in North America and is a key contributor to the economy of northeast Arkansas,” said Peacock. “We’re proud to bring such a positive impact to our surrounding community.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by tours of the new facility for guests in attendance.

“Hytrol is proud to expand and make even more of a positive impact on the community of Jonesboro,” said Chris Glenn, vice president of manufacturing and engineering operations. “As we grow, we recognize the importance of the support that comes from Northeast Arkansas to the manufacturing industry; it was meaningful to us to recognize our employees, the Loberg family, the board, our partner suppliers, and everyone who has had a role in our efforts.”

Phillip Poston, director of strategic planning, said: “The building expansion, paint system, lasers, and brake presses make this an exciting day. When you add the fact that the production facility is now fully air conditioned, it lets everyone know that these are transformational times at Hytrol.”

“Today is an exciting day for Hytrol and for the community,” said Peacock. “The journey doesn’t end here; today is another milestone in the journey of Hytrol.”