Zekelman Industries announces $120 million investment in Mississippi County

BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. (KAIT) - Zekelman Industries announced Thursday it will invest $120 million to expand its Atlas Tube facility in Mississippi County.

According to a news release, the project will bring Zekelman’s total number of employees in the area to more than 300.

The company, which is described as the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America, operates two Atlas Tube factories in Blytheville. The expansion will allow it to manufacture inline steel tube galvanizing products in size ranges not currently available in North America, Zekelman said.

Clifton Chitwood, the president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation, said thousands of jobs in Mississippi County were lost in the 1990s, and it’s taken a combination of efforts to try to bring those jobs back.

The Atlus Tube expansion will bring over 100 new jobs to the area.

“This wasn’t the beginning of the story, and this won’t be the end of the story,” Chitwood said. “We’re now the largest steel-producing county in the United States.”

He said this expansion will only add to the county’s overall efforts.

“Zekelman Industries is a major steel producer and a valued member of Arkansas’ business community. We are proud that Zekelman has chosen to expand in Blytheville,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Mississippi County is the leading steel-producing county in the nation – this is made possible by great companies and visionary local leaders.”

During Thursday’s unveiling, the company also announced it is partnering with Arkansas Northeastern College to create a workforce training initiative.

“Education and skills training are crucial to developing the next generation of workers. Our goal at Zekelman is to prepare, nurture and inspire students entering the thriving and well-paying steel industry,” said Tom Muth, chief operating officer. “Our commitment is representative of our partnership with the Blytheville community and ongoing dedication to domestic-only manufacturing. We are particularly grateful to Mayor [Melisa] Logan and Mississippi County for their continued support.”

In addition to the expansion, Zekelman plans to provide $250,000 to ANC to support students enrolled in its steel industry and aviation maintenance programs.

“Arkansas Northeastern College has a strong track record of success in working alongside area employers to design tailored training programs that meet industries’ needs,” said Dr. Chris Heigle, president. “These partnerships benefit our students, equipping them with the real-world skills needed to secure good-paying jobs while fueling the growth of our region’s economy.”

Veronica Perkins, the superintendent of Blytheville Public Schools, said students at the high school will benefit in a number of ways.

“They’re getting skills, they are getting industry certifications that will make them eligible for a more livable wage,” Perkins said.

She’s also excited to see the long-term economic impact on Mississippi County, which she thinks will benefit both students in the community and the companies that invest in the community.

For more information, visit zekelman.com.

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