Koppers making big investments in Arkansas

Koppers, the provider of treated wood products, said it will invest a minimum of $23 million and increase the number of workers at its North Little Rock, Ark. facility over the next two years.

The investment will be used for new construction and to purchase equipment that will allow Koppers to upgrade and modernize the company’s processes and further improve its environmental footprint.

“When Koppers had the opportunity to invest in the future, we chose the dedicated workforce and exceptional community of North Little Rock,” said Chris Martin, plant manager of Koppers North Little Rock. “This is a place where people work hard, and we support each other.”

The company cited support from the state, Pulaski County, and the city of North Little Rock among the reasons for its decision to expand at the North Little Rock site.

“I am very pleased by Koppers’ decision to grow its business in Arkansas,” said Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “The North Little Rock facility has been an establishment for more than a century, and we are grateful that the company has chosen to continue this legacy by investing millions into the site. I am confident that the company’s entrepreneurship, combined with our pro-business environment, will contribute to the continued success of Koppers in Arkansas.”

Koppers has been a part of the Central Arkansas community for more than 30 years. The North Little Rock facility, built in 1907, sits on 157 acres and currently employs approximately 80 people. 

The plant processes and treats more than 1.5 million wooden railroad crossties each year. The plant also produces switch ties, road crossings, and framed bridge timbers.