Awesome Products to bring 240 jobs to Northeast Arkansas

A California company that makes chemicals used in laundry and household cleaners announced Friday (Oct. 1) it will invest more than $44 million and add more than 240 jobs in northeast Arkansas.

A statement from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission explained that Buena Park, Calif.-based Awesome Products will expand its facility in West Memphis and open a new location in nearby Marked Tree. The company makes laundry detergent, fabric softener, and household bleach and chemicals.  Each site will see about 120 new jobs.

“We are fortunate to have the resources in place here in Arkansas in which to continue to grow our business,” L.D. Hardas, owner and president of Awesome Products, said in the AEDC statement. “This region is perfect — an available skilled workforce, proximity to key distribution points, quality infrastructure and collaboration among private and public entities. We look forward to continued growth in Arkansas.”

The jobs will be welcome in a metro area that has seen unemployment rates hover above 10% between June 2009 and July 2010. The jobless rate fell to 9.6% in August.

In West Memphis, Awesome Products has manufactured household detergents at two facilities since 2004. In Marked Tree, the company will manufacture sodium hypochloride used in the manufacturing of household bleach. The household products are sold throughout the country at such retailers as Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Dollar General and Fred’s.

“Making one announcement in East Arkansas today is good news, making two is fantastic,” Gov. Mike Beebe said in the statement.  “I’m proud of the leadership shown in Marked Tree and West Memphis that has made this day possible. Awesome Products’ expansion in East Arkansas helps this region prove its continued economic viability.”