Arkansas Economic Development Commission issued the following announcement on April 13.
Bryce Corporation, a leader in the flexible packaging industry, will invest $80 million to expand its operations in Searcy, Ark., the company announced today. This expansion is part of the company’s five-year strategic growth plan and is expected to grow the company’s asset base and physical footprint and create 142 new jobs in Searcy.
As part of this expansion, Bryce Corporation will construct a new manufacturing facility and a distribution center in Searcy. The company will also invest in advanced technology and state-of-the-art process equipment to serve its consumer product customers.
“It’s always a great day in Arkansas when our existing businesses announce expansions, and this is no exception,” Governor Asa Hutchinson said. “For decades, Bryce Corporation has been a strong community partner. Their investment in Searcy speaks volumes about their confidence in the city’s workforce and quality of life, and I wish the company well as they enter this next phase of growth.”
Throughout its history, Bryce Corporation has demonstrated a generational commitment to family and community. This foundational principle has governed the decisions made by the Bryce family and leadership teams. In 1976, Bryce Corporation opened its first manufacturing facility in Searcy with 29 employees. Bryce Corporation finished 2021 with 465 employees in Searcy. Over that 45-year period, the Searcy manufacturing site has grown from 30,000 square feet to 350,000 square feet.
Today, the third and fourth generations are excited to announce the five-year strategic growth plan. “These are transformational and generational commitments that we are excited to make in Searcy as we transition into the fourth and look forward to the fifth generation of family leadership,” noted Sean Bowie, President, and fourth generation Bryce family member.
“We would like to thank the City of Searcy and White County leadership teams, the Chamber of Commerce and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for their partnership and support throughout this process. We also appreciate the residents of White County, many of whom are current and retired team members of Bryce Corporation,” noted Tom Bryce, CEO, and third generation Bryce family member.
“Arkansas’ economy continues to grow thanks to the commitment of both our businesses and our communities,” Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said. “I’m pleased that Bryce Corporation has found the tools they need to grow and succeed in Searcy. Their decision to expand their facility will diversify and strengthen the area’s economy and provide good jobs to hardworking citizens. I look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.”
"As a city we are focused on supporting the growth and expansion of businesses in our community," Searcy Mayor Kyle Osborne said. "We are thrilled about the opportunities this expansion will bring to the workforce in Searcy and look forward to continuing our relationship with Bryce Corporation for years to come."
Buck Layne, president and CEO of the Searcy Regional Chamber, said, “Existing business retention and expansion is the foundation of our economic development efforts at the chamber. Bryce Corporation’s investment in its Arkansas facility secures existing jobs and promises future growth for our city and our region.”
Original source can be found here.
Source: Arkansas Economic Development Commission
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