Under crisp blue skies and an unusually-warm November afternoon sun, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson visited Jefferson County Thursday to help dedicate a new factory.
We don’t often have moments to shine here in our county, at least on a state stage, but today was certainly an occasion to celebrate.
Highland Pellets LLC, an Arkansas company, held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday to celebrate its new 600,000 metric-ton-per-year wood pellet facility in Pine Bluff. In August 2014, the company announced it would build the $229 million plant. The plant will create 68 direct jobs and almost 1,000 indirect jobs in Jefferson County and surrounding communities. The direct financial impact on the Pine Bluff area is more than $86 million annually.
Wow.
This plant has made a major commitment to our area, and we are praying that their example will help lead to others like them locating here. This was our first visit to the facility, and the size and scope of the project cannot be projected in just a few words.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The plant is massive in design, and construction workers are still busy putting the finishing touches on heavy machinery that will be used when the plant begins operations. We’re told that will be very soon.
Highland Pellets is a privately held company with industry veterans from the wood pellet, finance and energy markets. Wood pellets are a sustainably sourced feedstock for use by European industrial utilities to lower carbon footprint and provide sustainable base load power.
The wood used to make the pellets will be sustainably harvested, which will reduce dependence on coal-burning power plants. There are more than 18.8 million acres of forest land in Arkansas, covering more than half of the state.
Hutchinson said at the event that the company’s “leadership is passionate about this new facility and the impact it will have on Jefferson County’s economy. They are determined to have a lasting effect not only on their employees, but also on the entire community. This is a great example of a company and community working together to create new opportunities and an improved quality of life for citizens. Thanks to Highland Pellets for making this significant investment of time, resources and capital in Arkansas. ”
We also saw Pine Bluff Mayor-elect Shirley Washington and current Mayor Debe Hollingsworth, along with a host of other local officials, at Thursday’s event. Everyone had beaming smiles fixed on their faces.
“What a great day this is for us in Pine Bluff,” Washington said.
A great day, indeed.