Forrest City lands 45 new manufacturing jobs

Editor’s note: The following is portions of a press release from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

Officials of Mestek Inc, the parent company of  Airtherm in Forrest City, manufacturer of fan coil units and fan coils for the HVAC industry, today (Sept. 22) announced plans to add several new lines to its existing facility, along with 45 new jobs.

The product lines being added in Forrest City will include cabinet unit heaters, panel radiators, electric baseboard units, fire dampers, fire/smoke dampers, air control dampers, roof curbs, and gravity roof ventilators.

Mestek officials noted: “Mestek Inc. has 17 facilities in North America. We chose to relocate several of our product lines to our Forrest City plant because of the business friendly attitude of state and local officials as well as the availability of skillful and motivated workers.”

“We are delighted over this expansion” said Forrest City Mayor Gordon McCoy. “During these difficult times, it’s great to see people investing in our economy and our community. “We are behind Airtherm 110 percent and will do everything we can to support them.”

Airtherm now employs 40 in Forrest City. The addition of the new lines will bring total employment to 85. Manufacturing of product off the new lines is expected to start immediately and should be completed by March, 2010.

Mestek Inc. is the parent company of Westfield, Mass.-based Airtherm.