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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

SAF-HOLLAND to Expand Dumas, Arkansas, Manufacturing Center

08/31/2017
SAF-HOLLAND, a Luxembourg-based manufacturer of trailer suspension and axle systems, truck suspensions, fifth wheels, landing gear, and coupling products, is expanding its operations in Dumas, Arkansas.

As part of the expansion, the company will open a new facility in the old Federal-Mogul building to accommodate increased business with current customers. The company increased its Dumas staff by more than 40 percent, creating 60 new jobs to date with plans to end up at approximately 65 total new positions.

According to Arkansas Economic Development the company will invest approximately 4 million in the facility for additional manufacturing/warehousing space, paint line, robotic welding cells, and other new technology and equipment thus stepping up the group’s capacities in axle and suspension systems in the Americas region.

“By expanding, we are developing our employees and resources to prepare for future worldwide market opportunities,” said Charles Swopes, Dumas Facility Plant Manager.

“Our investment in Dumas will enable SAF-HOLLAND to expand the North American business as we prepare for increasing market demand also in the mid-term,” said Bjoern Meyer, Vice President, Operations, Americas.

“It allows SAF-HOLLAND closer proximity to our OEM customers and enhances our level of service to our distributors and fleet customers. Ultimately, the location provides a means to expand our distribution network to not only support existing customers but result in additional customers,” Meyer said.

Expansion of the Dumas operations takes place in the overall context of the ongoing restructuring of the North American plant network, state officials said. The production network is currently being centralized and placed geographically closer to the customer base of the trailer and truck industry in order to strengthen long-term competitiveness. Furthermore, the internal logistics processes are being optimized to improve lead-time responsiveness.

“We appreciate the continued confidence SAF-HOLLAND has in our workforce that led to this expansion,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The jobs being created are the advanced manufacturing jobs that spur economic development and raise the quality of life for employees and their families.”

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