by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)
A company that intends to produce 1.7 million gallons of environmentally-friendlier motor fuel has selected a contractor to build a massive facility 13 miles north of Pine Bluff in Jefferson County. GTL Americas (GTLA) has entered into an agreement with Hyundai ENG America, Inc. (Hyundai), to start work on the design and construction of the facility which will sit on an 1,800-acre swath.
Construction on the project could begin within 18 months and the four-phase project could be completed sometime in 2029. The original price of the facility, which will employ 225 workers, was $3.5 billion, making it the largest industrial project in Arkansas’ history. Company officials believe the cost could grow in the coming years.
“Our vision is to create a center for excellence for GTL and, in turn, a sustainable economic driver for the state,” said Leon Codron, GTLA president. “This facility will make Arkansas our nation’s leading producer of ultra-clean, high-grade diesel, naphtha and, ultimately, jet fuel.”
