Southworth Products to expand its manufacturing complex

Southworth Products, a global manufacturer of ergonomic material handling equipment, is expanding its manufacturing facility in Manila, Ark.

The company plans to invest $935,000 in the plant and create approximately 35 new jobs. As part of its expansion, Southworth will upgrade its facility to add two new assembly lines and better separate the company’s shipping from production operations.

“As we move into 2016, Southworth has just completed its 125th year in business and its 36 year of focusing its manufacturing operations in Manila, Arkansas,” said Southworth CEO Brian McNamara. “Since moving a couple of product lines down from the Northeast in 1979 into an existing 10,000 square foot facility, we have steadily increased our local footprint to well over 150,000 square feet and now conduct all North American production in Mississippi County, Arkansas.”

The firm’s product lines of material handling equipment and container handling equipment include: scissor lift tables, container tilters, pallet level loaders, pallet trucks, turntables and other palletizing equipment, coil and roll handling equipment, roll on level loaders, dock lifts, vertical conveyors and manual lifter transporters.

“Southworth’s ability to change with the times has helped maintain the company’s status as a leader in its industry for 125 years,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The company’s diversified product line and strong management team, combined with Mississippi County’s skilled workforce, have created a recipe for success.”

“The fact Southworth conducts all of its North American production in Arkansas is a testament to the quality and commitment of the company’s existing workforce at the Manila facility,” said Mike Preston, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “It’s encouraging to see a company like Southworth Products continuing to invest and create new jobs in the state. We appreciate the company’s ongoing commitment to doing business in Arkansas.”

“Mississippi County is very pleased to have worked with Southworth Products and the State of Arkansas to make the expansion being announced today possible,” said Clif Chitwood, Executive Director of the Great River Economic Development Foundation. “Southworth has long been a pillar of Mississippi County’s industrial base and a valued provider of jobs and the better life for families that goes with those jobs. We are very proud that Southworth chose the Manila plant in which to make this expansion.”