A steel-joist manufacturer opened its first plant in Arkansas on Monday with a ribbon-cutting attended by Gov. Mike Beebe, who said the arrival of New Millennium Building Systems "breathes new life" into the Hope area.
New Millennium Building Systems, a subsidiary of Steel Dynamics has already hired 58 employees and could add up to 120 more jobs.
The company has spent $4 million to upgrade the plant that was previously owned by the Commercial Metals Company.
“Arkansas will not cede manufacturing to any part of the world, we want to keep it in America and keep it here in our state,” Beebe said. “The arrival of New Millennium in Hope brings good jobs in tough economic times."
The purchase of the Hope plant facilitates New Millennium’s plans to expand its presence in construction markets in the Southwest and the West.
“The steel joist industry has been a part of our manufacturing base for decades,” said Hope Mayor Dennis Ramsey. “We are excited that is continuing with New Millennium and the jobs they are bringing."