Springdale Gains Weight

The Carlson Co., which has made spring-testing equipment for the past 21 years from a plant in Clinton (Van Buren County), is building a 6,000-SF, $250,000 building in Springdale’s new industrial park.

The new plant will be completed in August and employ 15 to 20 people, says Rudy Hutter, who took the business over from his father. The Carlson Co. began operation a half century ago on Long Island, N.Y.

Hutter says he’s moving the plant to Springdale to take advantage of technological expertise from the University of Arkansas. Currently, Hutter says he’s a one-man operation in Clinton.

“This isn’t a want-to move,” he says. “It’s a have-to move.”

Hutter says the company has been making about 100 machines for spring testing each year. He hopes to increase production to 300 to 500 units after the Springdale plant opens.

Hutter says The Carlson Co. is one of three makers of spring testing equipment of its class in the United States.