FARNBOROUGH, U.K. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Taber Extrusions at the Farnborough Airshow to announce the company is expanding its facility in Russellville, Arkansas, and introducing the largest direct extrusion press in North America. The company is investing over $60 million in the expansion and expects to create 70 new jobs.
Governor Sanders joined company executives and state economic development officials for the announcement of the expansion at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, where the Governor is meeting with aerospace and defense businesses to encourage them to invest in Arkansas. The announcement was made at the Forum Main Stage at the USA Partnership Pavilion.
“Announcements like this don’t happen by accident,” said Governor Sanders. “It took pro-growth policies in Little Rock, a pro-business mentality in Russellville, and a proactive presence at events like the Farnborough Airshow to secure Taber’s investment. I’m grateful to this great Arkansas company for their continued commitment to the Natural State.”
“We are excited for this expansion as it provides the capability and capacity needed in the large shape extrusion market,” said Chuck Stout, President of Taber Extrusions. “This investment highlights our commitment to continue to serve our national defense, aerospace, and large industrial market partners.”
This expansion is designed to meet the rigorous demands of the aerospace industry and is expected to go live in 2026. Taber Extrusions has been in business in the Russellville area for five decades, though considered several other states for this expansion. Russellville beat out the alternative choices because of its convenient location, strong local workforce, and competitive state incentives.
“It’s an honor to join Taber Extrusions at the Farnborough International Airshow to announce its latest expansion in Russellville Arkansas,” said Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Taber Extrusions has operated in Arkansas since 1976, and we look forward to many more years of business success for them. Congratulations to the City of Russellville on this economic development win, which creates 70 new jobs in the River Valley region.”
“As someone who calls Russellville home, I am proud that Taber Extrusions has chosen our vibrant community for their expansion,” said Dr. Megan Selman, President and CEO of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce. “This decision speaks volumes about the strength of our local economy and the high quality of life in Russellville. Our strategic location and dynamic business environment make it the ideal place for companies to grow and succeed.”
“Taber Extrusions has been a cornerstone of Russellville for as long as I can remember,” said Russellville Mayor Fred Teague. “The presence of the Taber brand in our community exemplifies how local efforts can have a global impact. Our residents create products that touch lives around the world, and I am thrilled to witness the Taber brand’s local expansion. I look forward to collaborating with everyone involved in this exciting development. I am confident that this expansion will bring new job opportunities, benefiting both Russellville and many families in our area.”
“Taber Extrusions has been a steadfast partner, employer, and manufacturer in our community for half a century,” said Pope County Judge Ben Cross. “As one of the bedrock fabricators of some of the world’s most premier aluminum products, this investment in our county will ensure good quality jobs and local growth in this sector, keeping “Made in America” at the forefront of their commitment to excellence. I applaud Taber Extrusions, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Russellville Regional Alliance for Economic Development, on their combined efforts to see this day come to fruition.”