Morin, an architectural metal panel manufacturer and member of the Kingspan Group, recently celebrated the opening of its Little Rock, Ark. facility. The event welcomed elected officials, regional business leaders, and Morin executives to celebrate this significant milestone.
This investment of approximately $15 million establishes a strategic hub in the center of the country, leveraging Little Rock’s central location to significantly improve lead times and reduce shipping costs for customers, according to a company media release.
“The facility introduces Morin’s ‘next generation of rollforming’ philosophy, utilizing highly automated processes and revolutionary equipment to produce its premier product lines with exceptional precision and quality,” the news release states.
“The opening of our Little Rock facility marks a pivotal moment for Morin and the architectural metal industry,” says 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 rollforming 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 was designed with a commitment to sustainability, in line with Kingspan’s global Planet Passionate initiative. Powered entirely by renewable energy, the facility incorporates energy-efficient equipment and waste management programs, aimed at 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, the news release states.
“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,” says Frank Scott Jr., Little Rock Mayor.
The new facility has created 25 skilled jobs in its first phase. Morin also is actively partnering with local technical workforce development programs to provide career opportunities, and the investment is expected to stimulate demand for local suppliers and contractors.
