Alberto-Culver to construct $60M plant in Arkansas

The Alberto-Culver Company on December 13 announced plans for a 500,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to be built in Jonesboro, Ark. Construction on the facility will begin in early 2007 with production slated to begin in early 2008. Estimated cost of the facility, including equipment, is approximately $60 million.

Richard Mewborn, vice president of worldwide operations for Alberto- Culver, said the facility would include production, warehouse and office space and would eventually employ 400 people.

"We are currently running at close to capacity in our North American manufacturing operations and this facility is intended to support our growth, bring additional flexibility to our production capabilities and create significant long term efficiencies," he said.

He noted that the company had recently announced plans to close a manufacturing facility in Dallas during the coming year and said that he anticipated most of that plant's production would eventually be shifted to Jonesboro.

Mewborn said that Jonesboro was selected from a group of 10 sites considered by the company because of a combination of its strong current manufacturing base, a solid infrastructure of support and supply services, and the availability of a skilled workforce.

Alberto-Culver Company manufactures, distributes and markets leading personal care products including Alberto VO5, St. Ives, TRESemme and Nexxus in the United States and internationally. Several of its household/grocery products such as Mrs. Dash and Static Guard are niche category leaders in the U.S.