$12 million expansion begins on Intimidator campus in Batesville

Officials with Intimidator Inc. announced in 2016 plans to expand its Batesville manufacturing operations and create 400 new jobs by 2021. On Wednesday (May 30), company officials and guests ceremonially broke ground on a new 200,000-square-foot building.

It will be built on a 38-acre swath on White Drive in Batesville, and is the first phase of a three phase project that will cost $12 million.

The building is expected to be completed by the end of the year, and the facility could be in operation by January 2019, Intimidator Director of Engineering Jim Whitson said. The building will include a warehouse, shipping and receiving, production assembly lines, Intimidator COO Roger Wright said.

“This is a significant milestone for our company,” he said. “Our stated target in 2016 at the Governor’s visit was to invest over $12 million in buildings and equipment and create 400 new jobs by the year 2021. This new world class campus and building keeps us on track to reach that goal.”

Intimidator makes zero-turn lawn mowers and 4X4 utility vehicles. Workers will be paid on average about $18 per hour, Gov. Asa Hutchinson previously told Talk Business & Politics. The second and third phases of construction will include a new corporate headquarters, an employee training facility, and a new powder coating area. When the entire project will be complete has not been announced.

Intimidator is owned by Becky and Robert Foster of Batesville, the former owners of Bad Boy Mowers. The couple also owns Bad Dawg Accessories, Spartan Mowers, Guru Grill, and Envy – Neighborhood Vehicles. These businesses employ 111 workers, according to the family.

Intimidator products are sold through at least 65 dealers in the United States. The Fosters have owned and operated businesses in Batesville since 1989. The existing Intimidator facility employs about 80 workers.

The state will give Intimidator a $1.5 million Community Development block grant, according to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. The company will also receive other state incentives including a 4.25% payroll cash rebate from the state during the first five years of operation. Intimidator will also qualify for state tax back considerations on its building materials, machinery, and other equipment bought as a part of the expansion.

Growth in the zero turn mower market, and a surge in utility terrain vehicle sales prompted the expansion, according to the company.