SGL Carbon of Wiesbaden, Germany, said Thursday that it will expand its operations in Arkadelphia, investing $4.5 million at its existing facility and hiring 35 full-time employees within three years.
The company makes carbon products used in the automotive, aerospace, solar and wind energy sectors. Its Arkadelphia facility makes carbon and glass fiber-reinforced products for those industries.
The company said the Clark County expansion will help it increase production of carbon composites for electric vehicles. It currently employs 24 people.
"Composite battery enclosures fit perfectly to the specific needs of modern e-car chassis," Steve Swanson, vice president of operations at SGL Composites Inc., said. "Thus, with the ongoing enhancement of our Arkadelphia operations, we also support the great trend towards more e-mobility in the U.S."
SGL Carbon expects the expansion to be fully operational by the end of the year.
"SGL Carbon is not only a global leader and innovator, it is also a valued member of our state's business community — a position it has held since it began production here in 1996," Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in a news release. "It's a pleasure to congratulate the company for its continued investment in Arkadelphia. We look forward to many more years of partnership in the future."
According to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the company is eligible for three incentives: the Advantage Arkansas program, which provides a state income tax credit of 1% of total payroll; the Tax Back program, which provides sales tax refunds on building materials, taxable machinery and equipment; and $235,291 in Community Development Block Grant money.
SGL Carbon employs about 5,100 people across 31 production sites in Europe, North America and Asia.
