Airtherm to expand Forrest City facility

HVAC manufacturer will add several new lines, 45 new jobs

FORREST CITY, Arkansas (September 22, 2009) – Officials of Mestek Inc, the parent company of  Airtherm in Forrest City, manufacturer of fan coil units and fan coils for the HVAC industry, today announced plans to add several new lines to its existing facility, along with 45 new jobs. The product lines being added in Forrest City will include cabinet unit heaters, panel radiators, electric baseboard units, fire dampers, fire/smoke dampers, air control dampers, roof curbs, and gravity roof ventilators.

     Vice President of Manufacturing Services states that “Mestek Inc has 17 facilities in North America. We chose to relocate several of our product lines to our Forrest City plant because of the business friendly attitude of state and local officials as well as the availability of skillful and motivated workers.”

     “We are delighted over this expansion” said Forrest City Mayor Gordon McCoy. “During these difficult times, it’s great to see people investing in our economy and our community. “We are behind Airtherm 110 percent and will do everything we can to support them.”

     Airtherm currently employs 40 in Forrest City. The addition of the new lines will bring total employment to 85. Manufacturing of product off the new lines is expected to start immediately and should be completed by March, 2010.

     “The creation of new jobs through existing Arkansas companies is always exciting,” said Maria Haley, AEDC executive director. “We appreciate the commitment Airtherm has made to Forrest City and its workforce and look forward to the company’s continued success.”

     Mestek, Inc. is the parent company of Airtherm, which is headquartered in Westfield. Massachusetts.     

     Additional information can be found at www.airthermhvac.com or www.mestek.com.

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