‘Major tech company’ inks deal with West Memphis

Mayor touts multimilliondollar, Fortune 500 firm coming to community

By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

Details are still being kept tightly under wraps for now dut to non-disclosure agreements, but West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon has let the cat at least part-way out of the bag in regard to a new business soon to be making its way to the community.

According to McClendon, the as-yet-unnamed “major tech company” has inked a deal to build a new facility in West Memphis.

“I made sure that I have made a great deal for the people of West Memphis,” said Mc-Clendon. “This is something that the people of our community can be proud abour.”

Early details McClendon was able to share were that the expectation is that the tech company would create about 300 new jobs within a year of opening, with many of those newly created positions paying “six figures,” although there was no information on what kinds of jobs those would entail.

McClendon said he has worked with the mystery company and with other city officials to work out agreements ensuring there would be adequate infrastructure in place.

“Water, utilities and other needs,” he explained.

When pressed for any hint about the company’s identity, McClendon only smiled.

“I’m excited. I wish I could say,” said the mayor. “But we’ve got to wait about 45 days. But I think it’s going to be great. I’m so happy about this opportunity.”

The deal is just the latest in a series of positive economic news items coming out of West Memphis in recent months. In September, the Coca-Cola plant there announced a new $25 million expansion.

In October, the city announced the impending arrival of Buc-ee’s to the community. Both projects mean more local jobs.

And West Memphis remains committed to landing a $3 billion data center that would be even more good news for the city and its residents.

McCLENDON