Signode adding 31 jobs in Fordyce, shifting production in Benton, Sheridan

Signode Industrial Group, a transit-packaging provider with more than 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide, will expand its operations in Fordyce, creating 31 new full-time jobs over the next 12 months, the company announced Thursday (July 9).

Signode manufactures transit packaging consumables, tools, software, and equipment that optimize end-of line packaging operations and protect products in transit. The company has operated in Arkansas for nearly 50 years and currently has a total of 218 full-time employees across its facilities in Benton, Sheridan, and Fordyce.

“As we look to optimize our manufacturing footprint and operational efficiencies, our existing facilities and excellent workforce in Arkansas are well-suited to handle the growth and transformation we have planned for the future,” Signode’s Vice President of Supply Chain and Project Management Keith Kushner said. “Signode’s partnership with the AEDC and local communities over the years has been extremely positive and helped facilitate this decision. We thank them for their ongoing support to help us grow our business.”

Along with its decision to expand at its Fordyce facility, the company also announced plans to re-purpose and grow its Sheridan operations as well.

While products currently produced at Sheridan will move to Fordyce, additional product lines will move into the Sheridan plant over the next year to utilize its existing skilled workforce.

As part of this transition, each of the 23 employees currently working at the company’s Angleboard facility in Benton will have the opportunity to transfer to the Sheridan site.

Signode received $200,000 in CDBG funds from the state as well as income tax credits in the amount of 4% of new payroll for five years through the Advantage Arkansas incentive program.