PROGRESSIVE FOAM TECHNOLOGIES TO OPEN IN CONWAY
February 22, 2005
Conway, AR — Progressive Foam Technologies has announced it will open a new facility in Conway in March, initially employing 35 people with an anticipated workforce of 75 to 100 within the next two years. The company will manufacture Fullback Thermal Support, a patented contoured-foam system that adheres to the back of any home siding panel.
Fullback Thermal Support eliminates the void behind conventional hollow sidings. According to Progressive Foam (www.fullback.com), the added insulation results in energy savings, as well as resistance to weather, impact, mold, insects, fire and noise.
"Progressive Foam Technologies will bring welcome jobs for many fortunate families in the Conway area," said Gov. Mike Huckabee. "We're pleased the company has selected central Arkansas. We know it will be successful in this location."
Progressive Foam partners with leading vinyl siding manufacturers to install its backing onto their products, adhering it to the siding as one unit. The system may also be added to siding as it is being installed. The company uses recyclable expanded polystyrene.
Progressive Foam will occupy 72,240 square feet of the Covington Commercial Complex on Robins Street. The 400,000 square-foot complex is the former Carrier Refrigeration facility, which has been renovated and converted into multi-tenant space.
The company currently has two locations, both in Ohio. For its new facility, it looked at two other states before choosing the Arkansas site. Dave Albrecht will manage the Conway operation.
Progressive Foam Vice President Ray Kendall said, "We were impressed by what we found in Conway. The focus on education, the energy of three colleges and the low crime rate all make the town a quality place to live. The people we're bringing from Ohio are excited about the move. We also appreciate the work of Skeet Morse, manager of the local Employment Security Department, and the Conway Development Corporation, who made us feel that our manufacturing plant would be welcome in their community."
"We appreciate the partnership that existed to get Progressive to locate to Conway," Bill Hegeman, president of the Conway Development Corporation, said. "The Arkansas Department of Economic Development, the Conway Committee of 100, and the local Employment Security Department worked closely with us to ensure that Progressive had every reason to choose Conway as their new home. The CDC continues its commitment to rebuilding Conway's industrial base, and the location of Progressive Foam Technologies is a strong step in the right direction."
Conway Mayor Tab Townsell said, "The addition of Progressive Foam to our industrial community helps us maintain the healthy economic mix of manufacturing, service-related and financial jobs that Conway enjoys. The relocation of Progressive's leadership team and their families is just as valued an investment as the wages the company will pay. We welcome them to our home and look forward to partnering in their growth for years to come."
"Progressive Foam's patented process is impressive, and the company will bring good jobs to our economy," said Larry Walther, director of the Arkansas Department of Economic Development. "We're very glad to have Progressive in Arkansas."
CONTACT:
Mitch Chandler, 501-682-5154
mchandler@1-800-ARKANSAS.com
Brad Lacy, Director of Economic Development
Conway Development Corporation
501-329-7788
