Gov. Asa Hutchinson and other officials toured the newly renovated Tian Yuan Garments facility in Little Rock on Thursday.
During the tour, the company announced that it will increase its initial investment by another $10 million and that it is on track to hire 400 full-time workers. Tian Yuan Garments currently employs 160.
"We welcome textile jobs back to Arkansas," Hutchinson said in a news release. "The amount of direct foreign investment into the state is getting international attention right now. We still make things in Arkansas, and our workforce is prepared to handle manufacturing of all kinds. We're thrilled to see the additional investment."
The governor first announced the project in October 2016, during his economic trade mission to China. At that time, the company said it would invest $20 million for equipment, to purchase a building, and make capital improvements to the building.
The additional $10 million will bring Tian Yuan Garments' total investment to $30 million.
The company operates at the Port of Little Rock and produces sportswear for Adidas as well as other brands. At peak production, it plans to make more than 4 million garments annually.
"This project is a direct result of the governor's visit to China in 2016," said Mike Preston, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. "TY Garment's decision to increase investment demonstrates the faith that the company has in our state to meet their needs. We welcome those interested to contact the company and apply for a job."
