Metal Fabricator Dark Threat to Expand, Add 75 Jobs in Heber Springs

Construction at the Dark Threat Fabrication facility in Heber Springs

Metal fabricator Dark Threat Fabrication on Thursday announced a $7.65 million expansion of its facility in Heber Springs.

The expansion will give the company an additional 32,000 SF, allowing it to increase capacity and sales. It will add tube laser processing, robotic welding and a 10-ton overhead crane, among other improvements.

The project is expected to create 75 jobs over five years, bringing the company’s total workforce to 95. Construction is set to begin in the next three to six months. It’s expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2022.

The family-owned company, founded in 2013, provides services in engineering, laser cutting, metal forming, powder coating and welding.

“We look forward to increased growth driven by our willingness to embrace new technologies as well as providing an inviting work environment,” Dark Threat owner and lead engineer Andrew Roberson said in a news release.

Dark Threat qualified for the following state incentives: The Advantage Arkansas income tax credit, which can offset up to 50% of a company’s income tax liability each year, and the Tax Back program, which provides sales and use tax refunds on the purchase of building materials and taxable machinery.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he was looking forward to the company’s “next phase of prosperity.”

“Dark Threat Fab is a great example of the spirit of entrepreneurism that is alive and well throughout Arkansas,” he said in the release. “By adapting to everchanging needs of its customers, Dark Threat Fab has undergone tremendous growth and success.”