Morin, an architectural metal panel manufacturer held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday (Oct. 23) to celebrate the opening of its Little Rock facility, one of North America’s most advanced architectural metal panel plants.
This investment of approximately $15 million establishes a strategic hub for Morin in middle America and will result in 25 new jobs.
The facility introduces Morin’s “next generation of roll forming” philosophy, utilizing highly automated processes and revolutionary equipment to produce its premier product lines with exceptional precision and quality.
“The opening of our Little Rock facility marks a pivotal moment for Morin and the architectural metal industry,” said Ilhan Eser, Morin President. “This plant is more than a building; it is the embodiment of our forward-thinking vision. By strategically positioning the most advanced roll-forming technology in the heart of the country, we are not only enhancing our service to customers but also setting a new benchmark for sustainable manufacturing. We are proud to invest in this community, create skilled jobs and build a future in Arkansas that is innovative, efficient and environmentally responsible.”
The plant’s design embodies a strong commitment to sustainability. The plant is powered entirely by renewable energy and incorporates energy-efficient equipment and responsible waste management programs, achieving zero waste to landfill by year-end. Additionally, by serving central and southern markets locally, the plant not only reduces freight miles but also significantly lowers its overall carbon footprint, setting a new benchmark for environmentally conscious manufacturing.
“Morin’s investment in Arkansas marks a major milestone in Arkansas’ growth as a hub for manufacturing and innovation,” said Gov. Sarah Sanders. “This year, I signed a legislative package called IMPACT that puts the state at the forefront of economic growth by cutting red tape, investing in our workforce, and making Arkansas the best place in the nation to do business. I’m proud to welcome Morin to Little Rock and look forward to the opportunities their expansion will create for our communities.”
“Little Rock’s place as a critical logistics and transportation hub is now an open secret, as more and more companies are learning the strengths of our location, our business climate, and most importantly, our highly skilled and talented workforce,” said Frank Scott Jr., Little Rock Mayor. We welcome Morin to the community, and value its commitment to workforce development and sustainability.”
“Morin is making a major investment in Little Rock, Arkansas with its new facility, creating 25 new jobs and building on a growing metals industry in the region,” said Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “By locating in Little Rock, Arkansas, Morin has chosen a business-friendly community and state that have the resources and public policy that will help the company succeed in the long-term. Congratulations to our partners in Little Rock and Pulaski County on another economic development win.”
“At the core of our economic development strategy is taking care of companies that have already invested in the metro Little Rock region, while also leveraging those relationships to recruit complementary businesses,” said Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “We are thrilled to welcome another brand within the Kingspan Group to Little Rock and are grateful for the opportunities this will create for 25 families in our region.”
“I’m proud to welcome Morin to Pulaski County,” said Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde. “Their investment brings skilled jobs, strengthens local businesses, and supports our workforce programs to train the next generation of talent — exactly the kind of sustainable, innovative growth we want for our community.”