Goodwill Industries Expands With New Facility, 100 Jobs
by June 12, 2012 10:47 am 83 views
Non-profit retailer, recycler and jobs trainer Goodwill Industries of Arkansas announced a major expansion of its operations on Tuesday (June 12).
Goodwill will expand its donation operations and job training program in Little Rock by taking over a 576,000 sq. ft. facility at 7400 Scott Hamilton Drive in southwest Little Rock.
Formerly the home of Celestica, the location will now be named the Goodwill Resource Center. The building will feature a clearance center, classrooms and an expanded e-waste recycling center.
“Known for providing job training, Goodwill is increasingly providing the actual jobs as well,” Gov. Mike Beebe said at mid-morning press conference. “This expansion will broaden the company’s efforts to help Arkansans and will also help our economy.”
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas CEO Brian Itzkowitz said the expansion facility would create about 50 new jobs and 50 additional positions are expected to be created through new store openings in 2012.
“This year, Goodwill Industries celebrates its 85th year in Arkansas, and this transformational expansion will en
sure our ability to serve Arkansas for the next 85 years and beyond,” said Itzkowitz. “We are growing and actively responding to the needs of Arkansans who need assistance overcoming barriers to gain independence.”
Goodwill has created about 250 jobs in the past three years. It operates 28 locations across Arkansas.
In March, Talk Business profiled Goodwill and Itzkowitz on the nonprofit's diversified mission through its 85-year history. One of its biggest offerings today is transitional job training. In addition to its retail operations, Goodwill has also become a large recycler of computer hardware.
About 96% of its revenue comes from donated goods and nearly 90% of every dollar earned goes back into programs and services.
“Our mission couldn’t be realized without the generosity and support of Arkansans. When you donate and shop at Goodwill, you can truly change a life,” Itzkowitz said.