Hutchinson: Deal with Chinese firm to bring 400 new jobs, $20M investment to Arkansas

Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Thursday announced an agreement with a Chinese clothing manufacturer that will bring 400 new jobs and a $20 million investment to Arkansas.

In a news conference, Hutchinson spoke from Beijing, China, about the deal with Suzhou Tianyuan Garments Co., a manufacturer that specializes in making casual clothing and sportswear for Adidas, Reebok and Armani.

Hutchinson and Tianyuan executives signed a memorandum of understanding that unofficially committed the company to operating a facility in Little Rock. The agreement calls for hiring 400 full-time employees at an average wage of $14 an hour within four years of starting operations and investing $20 million in purchasing and improving the building and buying equipment.

Tianyuan hopes to be operational in Arkansas by the end of 2017, according to a news release.

Read more: http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/oct/20/gov-hutchinson-says-overseas-agreement-bring-400-n/