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Gränges Announces Ground Breaking
Dec 19, 2022
Gränges Announces Ground Breaking
Gränges breaks ground on battery cathode foil expansion in Newport, Arkansas
NEWPORT, Arkansas (December 19, 2022) – Gränges, a manufacturer of aluminium for various foil applications, broke ground today on an expansion at its Newport facility. The expansion positions Gränges as the first company in the U.S. to invest in battery cathode foil (BCF) production. Today’s announcement builds on previous investments in Newport over the past three years.
“We continue to invest in the foil industry benefiting our customers, employees and the communities in which we operate”, says Gränges Americas President, Patrick Lawlor. “Gränges is excited to lead the way in battery foil development partnering with the State of Arkansas to invest in this exciting new high-growth industry.”
The expansion is a result of increased demand for battery cathode foil in electric vehicles and markets moving toward battery-driven electrification. The expansion will create 43 new jobs and include equipment for finishing and a clean room necessary for BCF production.
“Gränges is a great example of how foreign direct investment improves economic conditions for Arkansas communities, but also how our state’s business climate improves the bottom line for the international companies who choose to locate here,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “From a dedicated workforce to low business costs to a central location for distribution, Arkansas is gaining recognition throughout the world as a state that prioritizes company needs and new technologies from research to market. I’m pleased that Gränges chose Arkansas and look forward to watching them continue to grow and prosper.”
Arkansas was one of several locations being considered for the project and a natural fit given Gränges’ Newport facility has a long history of high-end foil application development.
“Arkansas is pleased that Gränges has selected Newport as the site of this ground-breaking facility,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “We are looking forward to partnering with the company in their efforts to invest in and grow the labor force in Newport as well as increase the domestic production of battery cathode foil. We believe that Arkansas is the perfect fit for what the future has in store for Gränges.”
BCF is a critical component for lithium-ion batteries, which are essential in the production of electric vehicles. Gränges is widely recognized for its global footprint, its focus on sustainability, and its expertise in aluminium alloy development.
“Gränges and the Newport Economic Development Commission have forged a great working relationship that benefits the community and the company,” states Jon Chadwell, Director of Economic Development. “Newport is blessed with great corporate citizens like Gränges, and we are excited to work with them to produce this product that is vital for the future of the automotive industry.”
“Newport has experienced a lot of industrial growth over the last twenty years,” said David Stewart, Mayor of Newport. “Gränges revitalized a practically abandoned plant and brought high paying, quality jobs back to our community. We are so glad they chose Newport for this expansion.”
Gränges expects battery cathode foil production to be available in the first quarter of 2024.
About Gränges
Gränges is an aluminium technology company who drives the development of lighter, smarter, and more sustainable aluminium products and solutions. The company offers advanced materials that enhance efficiency in the customers’ manufacturing process and the performance of the final products. Gränges’ innovative engineering has transformed the industry for more than 125 years, and the company holds leading positions in rolled products for thermal management systems, speciality packaging and selected niche applications. Gränges has production facilities and conducts sales on three continents: Asia, Europe, and Americas. The total annual production capacity amounts to 570 ktonnes. Gränges has 2,700 employees and the share is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information is available at www.granges.com.
For further information, please contact:
Brad Thomas, SVP Strategy, Sales & Marketing Gränges Americas
Tel: +1 615-815-9492
Jackson County Community Theatre!
There's No Place Like Local This Holiday!
Newport Christmas Parade The Newport Christmas parade will be held Thursday, December 14, 2023 beginning at 6 p.m. Entries are now being accepted at the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce for business and nonprofit organization floats, walking groups, antique vehicles, beauty queens, horseback riders, school clubs and organizations, etc. Participants will be traveling down Hwy. 69 to Malcolm Avenue then down to Village Mall parking lot. Awards will be given for first, second and third place for both the commercial and non-commercial categories. Entry is free, and participants may choose their own holiday theme. However, Santa Claus will be flying in early from the North Pole as the last entry in the parade, so please do not plan a “fake” Santa on your float. Float judging will begin no later than 5:30 p.m. Please include the name of your business or organization somewhere on your float for faster judging. Line up will be held in the parking lot across from Riceland Foods no sooner than 5 p.m. (McLain and Hwy. 69). Walkers and dance groups should line up on the Riceland side of Hwy. 69. Vehicles that are entered in the parade are to enter the parking lot from McLain Street and face toward Hwy. 69. There will be a line up crew on hand. The line up area will be very crowded. Those who are driving vehicles that will not be in the parade are asked to find parking on the Riceland side of Hwy. 69 and walk across to the line up area. If dropping off a parade participant, please do not enter the parking lot. If you are planning to watch the parade along the route with children, please make sure that they stay by the street curbs and not in the road for safety purposes. Immediately following the parade, there will be a drive-by Christmas display event at the home of Dr. Patti Mullins, 4 Sue Circle. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there. Enter by clicking the link below. Entry forms are also available at the Chamber office, 201 Hazel Street. Completed forms may be faxed to 523-1055, dropped off at the Chamber at 201 Hazel Street, or emailed to director@newportarchamber.org . In the event of inclement weather, parade participants will be notified of an alternate date. Parade Entry Form
Mary Alice Holden Conner Memorial Park Closed For Maintenance
Public Notice for KOKR Radio
Public Notice for KNBY Radio
25th Annual Depot Days
18th New Vision Newport Leadership class now accepting applications!!
Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet Thursday, August 10, 2023
NEDC Wins Settlement Worth $2.5 Million in Medical Marijuana Lawsuits For Immediate Release Newport Economic Development Commission Newport, Arkansas director@newportaredc.org The Newport Economic Development Commission won a settlement with a value of $2,518,015.00 yesterday in two separate lawsuits concerning the relocation of a medical marijuana cultivator previously located in Newport, Arkansas. In November of 2020, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission approved a transfer of Natural State Wellness, LLC’s license to Good Day Farms, LLC. At that same meeting, the Commission also approved a transfer of location, allowing the facility to move from Newport, Arkansas to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Jon Chadwell, Executive Director of the Newport Economic Development Commission made a formal request to the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission to reverse the decision to move the facility. That request was denied. In April of 2021, Attorney David Couch, a Newport native, filed a lawsuit for plaintiffs the Newport Economic Development Commission; the City of Newport; the Newport Charitable Foundation and the Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board against the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission; the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division; Good Day Farm, LLC; Natural State Wellness, LLC and Harvest Health and Recreation, Inc. in Circuit Court of Jackson County. The suit was to recoup economic damages caused by the relocation of the facility. That lawsuit was followed by another lawsuit in October of 2021 by Couch for the Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board to recapture possession of the property sold to Natural State Wellness with all improvements, including the building constructed on the property by Natural State Wellness. The lawsuit against the property owner BLRS was moved to federal court. On February 22, 2023, a mediation process was held with Couch and Chadwell representing the plaintiffs and individuals and attorneys representing Harvest Health and Recreation, Inc. and Good Day Farms, LLC. Through the process, the defendants agreed to a settlement which returned the building and land to the Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board, awarded $1,000,000 in cash restitution to the community and covered the legal fees and costs. The total value of the settlement is $2,518,015.00 which is being paid through a negotiated agreement between Harvest Health and Recreation, Inc. and Good Day Farms, LLC and a transfer of property from BRLS to the Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board. “We feel vindicated to receive this settlement from Harvest Health and Good Day Farms on behalf of Newport,” stated Jon Chadwell. “We have many exceptional businesses in Newport that are significant partners in growing the community. However, when a business does not live up to its commitments, we feel obligated to take action behalf of the community.” Newport Mayor Derrick Ratliffe said, “The City of Newport has established a very pro-business environment and we are excited to have this building back under local control so we can use it to recruit another company to our community.” This settlement brings an end to the two-year process of seeking restitution for Newport and Jackson County.
