Recent Projects
More and more companies are discovering the strength, vitality, and strategic location of Ardmore, Oklahoma. Here are some recent stories of new and expanding industry in the area.
EJIW (East Jordan Iron Works)
East Jordan Iron Works-Ardmore Foundry, Inc. is a well-established manufacturer of iron castings with headquarters in East Jordan, MI. It is a family owned company, which has been in the foundry business for over 100 years. Currently in the fourth generation of family ownership, the company built the foundry in Ardmore, Oklahoma to better service its customers in the western and southern parts of the United States. The Ardmore, Oklahoma Foundry began production in October 2001. The foundry began operating a second shift in 2003. The foundry currently employs approximately 235 people.
Dollar Tree
A unique partnership between the Ardmore Development Authority and the Love County Industrial Foundation, along with assistance by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, enabled Dollar Tree Stores to locate a 600,000 square foot distribution center off of I-35 in Marietta, Oklahoma. This impressive facility took approximately ten months to construct under the direction of the Ardmore Development Authority which purchased the land, instigated the relocation of a major transmission line, oversaw zoning and permitting requirements, assisted in the design and construction of an industrial access road, facilitated grant opportunities, dealt directly with all contractors and sub-contractors and issued payments on the entire $35 million project. With the ADA’s innovative approach, southern Oklahoma gained a new industry and over 100 new jobs. Hugh Buford, facility manager, said, “We absolutely love Oklahoma and the labor pool has been exceptional thus far, it’s been a great place to do business.”
King Aerospace
Jerry-King Echevarria formed King Aerospace
Inc. in 1992 to support the United States Air Force on the E-9A Fleet of
aircraft. King Aerospace provides engineering services, airframe and engine
maintenance, inspection support and avionics maintenance and modifications
on the highly sophisticated telemetry fleet of aircraft. The firm also
provides comprehensive logistic services, mission equipment operators, and
certified training support.
King Aerospace’s purpose is to provide reliable, top quality, cost effective
aviation services on schedule, maintaining satisfied clients and employees
while earning a fair profit.
King Aerospace was awarded the Small Business Administration’s prestigious
National Small Business Prime Contractor of the year for the firm’s
performance on the E-9A program.
The Ardmore Development Authority supported the refurbishing of the 100,000
square foot hangar as King Aerospace anticipated increased workload to cause
the need for another large hangar facility.
Rush Peterbilt Truck Center – Ardmore
Rush Trucking recently expanded its operation to a 30,000 square foot facility leased from the Ardmore Development Authority and located in the New Horizons Industrial Park. The trucking operation provides a full line of parts and services for Peterbilt trucks as well as other large over-the-road vehicles. With anticipated monthly sales of $250,000, this expansion will mean additional sales tax revenue for the city. Lynn Eggenberg, local manager, commented on the benefits of the new Ardmore, Oklahoma location, “Due to the Ardmore Development Authority’s recruitment of industries who utilize trucking, it made sense that our company locate close to a growing clientele.”
Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
Developing better agricultural understanding, procedures and technology not only aids farmers and ranchers, it benefits mankind. For at its heart, agriculture makes up our food supply, the very source of life. This knowledge is understood and respected at the Ardmore-based Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation whose mission is to improve understanding and practices in the world of agriculture. Founded in 1945 by oilman Lloyd Noble, the organization has since grown to include more than 250 employees and an endowment of nearly $1 billion. The foundation operates primarily from earnings on its investment portfolio and ranks among the 60 largest private, charitable foundations in the United States. The Noble Foundation recently completed an $85 million expansion, primarily to its laboratory and greenhouse facilities. Central to the expansion … is an independent power generating facility to eliminate the threat of a power interruption that could destroy millions of dollars worth of research. “The expansion was precipitated by the quality of the work being accomplished by our staff,” said President Mike Cawley. “The Foundation’s board of trustees believed their work was worthy of this significant investment.”