Taber Extrusions has opened its new $85 million facility expansion in Russellville, bringing a new direct extrusion press to the Arkansas manufacturing company and adding 70 expected jobs.
The expansion includes a 10,000-ton, 16-inch front-load direct press — the largest new direct extrusion press in North America. The press can handle aluminum profiles up to 600 mm wide and is designed to produce large, single-piece profiles for the aerospace, national defense and heavy industrial markets.
“We are excited to see this project come to life after many years of planning and building,” said Chuck Stout, president of Taber Extrusions. “The capacity and enhanced capability that this new press line will provide is critical to the long-term success of Taber and our valued customers in the aerospace, defense, and heavy industrial markets.”
The new press went online in June 2026, with limited production availability beginning in the third quarter of 2026.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Taber executives, state officials and local leaders for the grand opening, which included a tour of the expanded facility and remarks from representatives of Taber, the state, the City of Russellville and Pope County.
“When we announced Taber’s expansion at the Farnborough Airshow two years ago, we knew it would be a major investment in Arkansas manufacturing. Today, they opened the doors to the largest new direct extrusion press in North America, right here in Russellville,” Gov. Sanders said. “With new jobs and new capabilities supporting America’s aerospace and defense industries, Taber is continuing to prove Arkansas can compete on the world stage.”
Taber announced the expansion at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024 alongside Sanders and state economic development officials. The company held a groundbreaking ceremony in April 2025.
“Taber Extrusions continues to define what Made in America is all about, and most importantly, what Made in Arkansas is all about,” said Pope County Judge Ben Cross. “As a steadfast community partner for over 50 years, this amazing investment in technology, job creation, and future opportunities, will ensure the viability of Taber Extrusions for generations to come.”
The expansion is expected to strengthen Taber’s production capabilities for aerospace, defense and heavy industrial applications while creating new opportunities for workers in the River Valley.
“Taber’s investment in Russellville means more good-paying jobs and greater opportunity for Arkansans in aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, and heavy industry,” said Dr. Megan Selman, CEO of the Russellville Chamber and the Russellville Regional Alliance for Economic Development. “These are industries the River Valley was built on, and this expansion proves they’re not just part of our past — they’re a big part of our future. We’re proud to see Taber continue to invest, grow, and create opportunity right here in Russellville.”
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