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FORDYCE BRINGING IN MORE JOBS WITH ASPHALT MANUFACTURING FACILITY

By Amy Riggin/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Saturday, May 9, 2009 10:14 PM CDT

Jet Asphalt and Rock Co. of El Dorado plans to build an asphalt manufacturing plant on land it purchased just north of Fordyce on U.S. Highway 167. President Jim Bennett said proximity to the highway was a major factor in the decision. Jet Asphalt, which does highway and street paving, is one of the Arkansas Highway & Transportation Department’s major contractors.

“Eventually the highway department is going to four-lane the highway [167] from Fordyce all the way to Sheridan,” Bennett said. “It doesn’t mean we’ll get the contracts, but it will get us in a better position to get them.”

He said Jet Asphalt bought 55 acres four miles north of the city and has begun clearing the land. He expects to be in operation by early 2010. Though the plant will only employ about five people, Dallas County Judge Jimmy Jones is “tickled to death,” as the construction will mean a greater employment impact.

“It means a lot of business coming to our community, and we’re tickled to get it in our area,” Jones said. “It’s going to create a lot of jobs, just getting the plant set up.”

Bennett said there will be “a lot of auxiliary people working in and out of there.” The plant will make hot-mix asphalt for residential and highway construction.

“We’re just pleased that they chose this area, and we can call Jet Asphalt our friend,” Jones said.

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