AR: Midwest Automation Custom Fabrication Chooses Fort Smith for Facility

As a result of a recent merger, Midwest Automation Custom Fabrication Inc., announced it has chosen Fort Smith as its new manufacturing headquarters location. The new entity was conceived after a merger between Custom Fabrication and Engineering, a steel manufacturer in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Midwest Automation in Arkoma, Oklahoma. The new company, Midwest Automation Custom Fabrication, Inc., is creating 85 new jobs and investing more than $1.6 million in the Fort Smith region. Combined the two companies will employ approximately 120 employees with a total annual payroll of nearly $5 million. 

“To be able to bring this new company to Fort Smith is extremely exciting for us,” said Darrell Robinson, partner with Midwest Automation Custom Fabrication. “Working closely with the Fort Smith Regional Chamber and Arkansas Economic Development Commission tipped the scales in favor of Fort Smith.”

Midwest Automation Custom Fabrication, Inc., is a totally integrated fabrication company that designs, engineers and installs structural steel for commercial and industrial companies all across North America. They trace their roots in Arkansas to the founding of Custom Fabrication and Engineering in 1985. 

“Midwest’s decision to locate its expanding facility in Fort Smith speaks about the quality of our skilled workforce and our low costs of doing business in Arkansas,” said Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive (AEDC) Director Mike Preston. “We look forward to their continued success and contributions to the state’s diverse economy.”

“We’re pleased to welcome Midwest Automation Custom Fabrication to Fort Smith,” said Tim Allen, president and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. “As the face of advanced manufacturing continues to evolve into tapping into the workforce of the 21st century, Fort Smith is positioned well to embrace companies who want what we can offer, a superior workforce.”

About Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC): Created in 1955 to make Arkansas more competitive in the post-World War II era, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) seeks to create economic opportunity by attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding and diversifying local economies in the state, increasing incomes and investment, and generating positive growth throughout The Natural State. Arkansas is a pro-business environment operating leaner, faster and more focused through a streamlined state government designed to act on corporate interests quickly and decisively.