Merger of fabrication companies to bring new manufacturing jobs to Fort Smith metro
by June 20, 2018 7:13 pm 2,827 views
These generator housing structures used in the energy industry are examples of products made by Midwest Automation Custom Fabrication Inc.
A merger of two custom metal fabrication companies in the Fort Smith metro could add between 15-20 news jobs following a $1.6 million expansion of a Fort Smith facility.
Arkoma, Okla.-based Midwest Automation and Fort Smith-based Custom Fabrication and Engineering have merged, and the new company name is Midwest Automation Custom Fabrication Inc. The new company will be headquartered at the 2100 Wheeler Ave. location where Custom Fabrication operates, according to a statement from the two companies, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The combined company employs about 100, and is expected to grow to 120 jobs with an annual payroll of almost $5 million.
“To be able to bring this new company to Fort Smith is extremely exciting for us,” Darrell Robinson, a partner with Midwest Automation Custom Fabrication said in the statement. “Working closely with the Fort Smith Regional Chamber and Arkansas Economic Development Commission tipped the scales in favor of Fort Smith.”
Midwest Automation Custom Fabrication, Inc., is a fully integrated fabrication company that designs, engineers and installs structural steel for commercial and industrial companies ub North America. They trace their roots in Arkansas to the founding of Custom Fabrication and Engineering in 1985.
“We’re pleased to welcome Midwest Automation Custom Fabrication to Fort Smith,” said Tim Allen, president and CEO of the Fort Smith chamber. “As the face of advanced manufacturing continues to evolve into tapping into the workforce of the 21st century, Fort Smith is positioned well to embrace companies who want what we can offer, a superior workforce.”
Manufacturing jobs in the Fort Smith continue to decline even with several expansions and new companies like Glatfelter and Silgan moving into the area. The region had an estimated 17,300 manufacturing jobs in May 2018, down from 17,600 in may 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Manufacturing employment in the region peaked at 31,200 in June 1999. A trend of significant job losses in the sector ended in late 2012, but regional manufacturing job numbers have remained flat. Following are the previous 10 years of monthly employment averages in the sector.
2017: 17,700
2016: 18,000
2015: 17,900
2014: 18,100
2013: 17,500
2012: 18,200
2011: 19,300
2010: 20,700
2009: 20,800
2008: 24,100