MALVERN – Southwest Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority (SWARIA) member Hot Spring County will soon have a “shovel ready” industrial park. By virtue of a combined effort of the Economic Development Administration, City of Malvern, Hot Spring County, and the local Economic Development Commission, Malvern Industrial Park has received a $1.9 million dollar grant for infrastructure. The grant will be used to provide water and sewer services throughout the industrial park.
According to Hot Spring County Judge Dennis Thornton, (pictured) the project should be completed by August 2021. Judge Thornton stated, “The economic impact over a 16 year period will be approximately $1 billion dollars.“ There are already plans for DL Factory Holdings to locate in the park. DL Factory Holdings LLC is headquartered in Colorado, but has committed to building a facility and showroom in the Malvern Industrial Park.
With the addition of this industry, it is estimated that between 100 to 135 new jobs will be created. SWARIA Executive Director Leah Hasley said, “Without a doubt, this would be a huge boon for Hot Spring County and surrounding areas.”
Currently, the Malvern Industrial Park has several industries including Jay Bird, Jones Mill Plant, Arkansas Midland Railroad, and Arkansas Transload. Other industries located within the county providing numerous jobs include Sykes, Reynolds Roller Mill, Arauco, and Ouachita River Unit Prison.