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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Glatfelter Plans New Manufacturing Plant In Fort Smith, Arkansas

03/01/2016
Glatfelter, a global manufacturer of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials, is locating a new manufacturing facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The company expects to 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 move 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.”

“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 Governor 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 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 the first United States based operation for its Advanced Airlaid Materials Business Unit,” said Tim Allen, President/CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“The cooperation between Glatfelter’s leadership, Governor 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.”

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