LITTLE ROCK — A California-based producer of laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach and chemicals will invest more than $40 million in Arkansas and create at least 240 new jobs, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission announced Friday.
Awesome Products Inc. will expand its current operations at a pair of West Memphis facilities and will open a new location in Marked Tree as part of the $44 million investment.
“We are fortunate to have the resources in place here in Arkansas in which to continue to grow our business,” company owner and president L.D. Hardas said in a 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 company's product are sold throughout the country at retailers like Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Dollar General and Fred’s.
The West Memphis facilities, which have been open since 2004 on Broadway Street and Jefferson Street, manufacture household detergents. Sodium hypochloride, which is used in making household bleach, will be manufactured at the new Marked Tree location.
Gov. Mike Beebe was scheduled to speak at news conferences in West Memphis and Marked Tree announcing the plans.