Area Development
A world market and technology leader in steel wire transformation and coating technologies, Bekaert plans a major expansion program for the company's manufacturing plant in Rogers, Arkansas.

In order to accommodate for the projected growth, Bekaert has decided to add an additional 50 percent production capacity to the Rogers plant. The expansion will be gradually implemented and will add over 100 new jobs. The Rogers plant opened in 1989 and produces steel cord for the tire industry. Bekaert projects continued strong and growing demand from the tire manufacturers based in the U.S. as a result of the expansion programs of the tire manufacturers in the country and of their preference to source domestically produced tire cord.

Bekaert CEO Matthew Taylor said, "Our expansion plans fit within Bekaert’s strategy to drive growth in this very important sector. We are committed and dedicated to creating value for our customers and we are expanding the Rogers plant to contribute to the growth of the North American based tire makers."

"Bekaert is a company with a global presence and could have chosen to expand at any location throughout the world," said Governor Asa Hutchinson. "The fact that we are here today celebrating this expansion displays Arkansas's continued momentum in job creation. Bekaert's decision to grow in the state is a recognition that Arkansas is prepared to compete and win in job creation."

Rogers Mayor Greg Hines said, "It is always a great day in Rogers when we get to make expansion and job creation announcements. We are very excited about Bekaert's upcoming expansion program and the jobs it will create that benefit not just Rogers, but the entire region."