Tiger Truck Moves From Texas To Poteau, Okla. With Up To 300 Potential New Jobs Over Five Years
New industry will change face of Southeast Oklahoma in near future
POTEAU, Okla., July 9 -- A multi-million dollar truck assembly operation that will bring 300 new jobs to Poteau was jointly announced today by Gov. Brad Henry and Michael S. Ward, Sr. founder and chief executive officer of Tiger Truck LLC.
Henry and Ward were joined by Mayor Jeff Shockley, State Senator Kenneth Corn, Secretary of Commerce and Tourism Natalie Shirley, LeFlore County and City of Poteau officials in unveiling plans for a 112,000-square-foot facility in what was formerly the home of Emerald Plastics.
The facility will be built to assemble off-road vehicles designed by ChangAnAutomobile Group, China's third largest vehicle manufacturer, Ward said. The primary market for the equipment will be Mexico and South America.
Headquartered in Dallas, Tiger Truck was established in 1999 and is a privately held international venture with distribution outlets in the U.S., Central America and the Caribbean basin.
Tiger Truck had previously announced intentions to establish this new assembly plant elsewhere, but a few key variables did not meet expectations.
According to Ward, "the forces in Oklahoma were not to be denied. They quickly mobilized to meet our needs in such a way that little time has been lost from our original aggressive schedule. We anticipate making initial production deliveries from this site by the end of the first quarter of 2008."
Addressing Governor Henry, Ward said, "in an effort to emulate the remarkable responsiveness that you and your Oklahoma colleagues have demonstrated to us, you will see action in this facility this month as we begin to organize it for production of our newest line of Champ trucks."
The acclaimed Champ 4500 is the size of a familiar 1/2 ton pickup, but carries a useful load of a ton and a half and was unveiled at the site following the press conference.
"As their motto suggests, the City of Poteau and the Oklahoma climate for good business are 'above the ordinary' in every way," said Ward.
Governor Brad Henry said, "Tiger Truck's announcement is great news for Poteau and for all of eastern Oklahoma. The assembly and manufacturing plant means up to 300 good-paying jobs and an economic boost for the region, while Tiger Truck reaps the benefits of Oklahoma's highly skilled and dedicated workforce. It's a win-win for both Tiger Truck and Oklahoma."
A rail spur will be built by A-OK Railroad in conjunction with the city to meet the needs of the facility, Mayor Jeff Shockley said. Tiger will also receive accelerated depreciation benefits on the building and equipment because it sits on former Indian land.
If plan details are met, Tiger is also eligible to participate in Poteau's unique economic development incentive, Shockley said.
Another key factor was the state's economic development incentive program, Ward noted.
They will apply for the Quality Jobs program and will receive all statutory tax exemptions that are provided to manufacturers, said the Department of Commerce.
"The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is proud to welcome Tiger Truck to Oklahoma. Oklahoma's outstanding incentives and business-friendly environment continue to make Oklahoma an attractive location to do business," said Secretary of Commerce and Tourism Natalie Shirley.
"There is no question this is a banner day for this city, the State of Oklahoma and this region," Senator Kenneth Corn said. "A lot of people have worked very hard to create an environment that supports the success of this fine company while enhancing the economic vitality of this region.
"While there is no other way to describe this entry as spectacular, it becomes even more so when one looks at the support business that is almost sure to be generated here. Any way you measure it, this is a win-win scenario for everybody concerned."
Mayor Jeff Shockley said, "Poteau has worked hard on its economic development over the past year with a new branding image, Web site, brochure and a strong team out there courting potential opportunities for business. Tiger Truck reflects this effort in every positive way. We have invested a great deal of time and money in this project and know that it will return every penny and more. The whole town is excited and we know Tiger Truck will bring additional support industries with it. We welcome you all with a big Oklahoma 'hello'."
CONTACT Peggy Striegel, PR Consultant for City of Poteau 918 258 3536/800 663 1136/peggy@striegela.com