New Millennium Breaks Ground on $13 Million Dollar Expansion

New Millennium held a ribbon cutting at its facility on state highway 32 in Oakhaven on Wednesday (12/13). It is a $13 million dollar expansion that will simplify operations for the facility. Instead of having to have coils slit in Little Rock and sent to the Hope facility, the new slitter machine will allow the process to be done in Hope. This will be a $70-80 a ton reduction in cost. The equipment will arrive in August.

Don Bryant, the General Manager from New Millennium welcomed everyone to the ribbon-cutting. He stated there are 7 New Millennium facilities in the US., each of which operate independently. New Millennium is the third largest steel manufacturer in the US and second largest recycler of scrap metal.

Mayor Don Still said he was excited about seeing businesses expand as it showed they are thriving in the community.

Anna Powell, the president of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation said it was an honor to stand before the employers and leadership of New Millennium today and congratulate them on yet another milestone of sustained incremental growth in Hempstead County.

Powell talked about the blessings of New Millennium to both the families employed by the company and the community in general. She has been impressed by New Millennium’s encouragement of giving to the local community.

Powell stated the EDC was offering up to a $50,000 rail infrastructure improvement grant once the capital investments announced today are completed.

On hand was an aide to US Senator Boozman as well as State Representative Danny Watson, County Judge Jerry Crane, City Manager J.R. Wilson, J.P. Steve Atchley and many others.

The groundbreaking photo included Matt Rakestraw and David Santifer as well.

There will be 7 new employee positions as result of the expansion. Average annual salary is $80,000. Currently there are 350 employees.