Danuser expansion has begun

Company hopes to have work complete by March

A bulldozer knocks over a tree to make room for expansion at the Danuser plant in Fulton.
A bulldozer knocks over a tree to make room for expansion at the Danuser plant in Fulton.

photo

Mark and Angela McGraw

Work has begun on expansion plans for Danuser Machine Company in Fulton.

Established in 1910 and run by fourth-generation sibling owners Glenn and Janea Danuser, manager Roland Bartley said the company's decision to expand its existing facility was based on an increased demand.

In a joint statement through email, the Danusers wrote that, "We have strong roots in the Fulton community, and are very excited about our upcoming plant expansion.

"We have worked in partnership with Bruce Hackmann, several city employees and the Fulton City Council, and we are thankful for the community support."

Seven new jobs already have been created by the $3 million expansion - which includes adding 32,000 square feet of manufacturing space - with another five to 10 new jobs expected over the next two years.

The Fulton City Council passed a resolution "expressing the official intent of the city to issue its Industrial Development Revenue Bonds to finance an Industrial Development Project for Danuser Machine Company" at its May 28 meeting.

If eventually approved by the council, the Chapter 100 Industrial Revenue Bonds would give Danuser real and personal property tax abatement on the improvements. Taxes on the company's existing property would not be affected.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.