Glatfelter, a global manufacturer of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials, is locating a new manufacturing facility in Fort Smith, AR. The company will create up to 83 highly-skilled manufacturing jobs at the new facility with a total capital investment of approximately $80 million.
Glatfelter’s new Fort Smith facility will supply products to a variety of customers, including those who support the broader wipes and hygiene markets. The project is subject to the approval of the Fort Smith Board of Directors and closing on the purchase of the former Mitsubishi Power Systems building located in Chaffee Crossing.
“We are truly excited to partner with the people of Fort Smith and Arkansas because we know that investing here makes great business sense for our company,” said Chris Astley, president of Glatfelter’s Advanced Airlaid Materials Business Unit and a senior vice president of Glatfelter. “Locating here benefits our business in a number of ways. It will enable us to expand our capacity to meet our customers’ growing demand for our advanced airlaid products, provide us with closer proximity to key suppliers and customers, and link us to highly efficient transportation routes across the South. Equally important, it will allow us to tap into the area’s high-quality workforce.”
In addition to the new Fort Smith facility, Glatfelter has 12 production facilities located across the United States, Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom and the Philippines. The York, PA-based company employs more than 4,300 people worldwide.
“Glatfelter is a world-class company that is making a significant investment in Fort Smith while creating jobs that will improve the lives of many area families,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “We appreciate Glatfelter’s decision to locate in Arkansas and are proud to add Glatfelter to the growing list of manufacturers that are choosing to do business in the state.”
Glatfelter’s products range from highly technical substrates for products like tea bags, single-serve coffee filters, wipes applications, feminine hygiene products, nonwoven wallcoverings and energy storage, to repositionable notes, greeting cards, high-speed inkjet printing papers, high-quality book publishing papers and envelopes.
“Glatfelter’s decision to join Fort Smith’s corporate city is exciting news for this community. This will be the company’s fifth North American manufacturing operation, and first U.S.- based operation for its Advanced Airlaid Materials Business Unit,” said Tim Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The cooperation between Glatfelter’s leadership, Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Mike Preston at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the City of Fort Smith was nothing short of spectacular. Companies with a global reach value Fort Smith’s location and they want our talent and resources working for their customers.”
Relocating or Expanding Your Business In Arkansas
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