JMP Solutions opens automation, robotics production facility in Fayetteville

London, Canada-based automation systems integrator JMP Solutions recently opened a 20,000-square-foot automation and robotics production facility in Fayetteville.

According to a Tuesday (April 19) news release, the facility at 3302 S. Cato Springs Road sits on 50 acres and opened on March 1. It will create about 140 jobs over the next five years. It also will provide U.S. customers with greater access to its automation and robotics services and more easily serve its growing customer base in the region.

Along with automation and robotics integration, the company also offers material handling, automated guided vehicles and controls systems integration. According to the release, the new facility is expected to further position JMP as a global leader in the growing $500 billion automation market.

“We’re energized by the growth that we’ve experienced and the opportunity that it has afforded us to move forward with this new facility,” said Ray English, commercial leader of JMP’s Automation & Robotics Division in Arkansas. “This investment in Northwest Arkansas not only allows us to better serve our existing customers in this area, but it also gives other potential customers in the U.S. easier access to the automation services JMP provides.”

According to the release, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the staffing and labor challenges in the manufacturing and process industries. The challenges have led to safety and sustainability concerns and opportunities to implement automated systems to stabilize manufacturing operations. The new facility is expected to help JMP address the challenges as it increases its capacity and capabilities across an expanding footprint.

Also, the new facility is expected to provide ongoing skills development, training and education to better recruit and maintain staff.

“JMP Solutions is a values-oriented and people-centric company,” said Mark Fulmer, who was recently appointed director of operations for the new facility. “We look forward to partnering with local universities and trade schools to attract the best new talent, and we are wholly committed to providing an enriching work experience for the entire team.”

According to the release, JMP’s close relationships and partnerships with area industry leaders, and the proximity to the University of Arkansas and other vocational and technical schools “will make Northwest Arkansas a top training and development sphere for the next generation of automation innovators.”

In August, JMP was acquired by Crestview Partners, a private equity firm. JMP was established in London, Canada, in 1987. It has 17 business units in the United States and Canada and more than 1,000 clients.