409 Jobs on Little Port Since 2009; Zero in Helena Port During Same Time Period

Helena-West Helena, AR --- The Arkansas Democrat Gazette is reporting that Welspun has announced a 200 job expansion of its business located on the Little Rock Port. We have received no reports of any new jobs at the Slack Water Harbor or the Helena Port During the same time period.

Welspun Announces Expansion, 200 New Jobs

LITTLE ROCK — Welspun on Thursday announced a second major expansion in Arkansas that will add 200 jobs and a $100 million investment in Little Rock.

After opening here in 2009, the company expanded in 2010, adding 230 jobs and investing $30 million in the facility.

"Welspun invested in Arkansas when the national economy was in bad shape," Gov. Mike Beebe said in a statement. "That faith in our workforce and our business community has paid off for both Welspun and Little Rock, and today they are reinforcing their confidence in us with another significant investment in Arkansas."

Beebe joined company officials, local leaders and others in making the announcement at the Little ROck chamber of Commerce.

Welspun makes pipes used in the oil and gas business.

Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.