NORDYNE plant to add 400 jobs

Average pay $10 per hour

Business Today

POPLAR BLUFF -- NORDYNE Inc. will expand its operation in Poplar Bluff Industrial Park by adding 400 jobs to the plant's employment rolls. NORDYNE is an O'Fallon, Mo.-based manufacturer of residential heating and cooling products.

NORDYNE was recently awarded a $7.3 million loan from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development. The money will fund a 295,000-square-foot increase in the size of the current 445,000-square-foot facility.

"This funding is proof that Missouri's rural economy is heating up," said U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson. "NORDYNE is a major employer that will nearly double the number of its employees thanks to the cooperation of Rural Development and great representation of Sens. Kit Bond and Jim Talent."

Greg Simpson, plant manager at NORDYNE , said, "We are very appreciative of the financing provided by the area lenders and the guarantee by USDA Rural Development. This expansion will allow us to increase the number of jobs from the present 400 to over 700."

According to Scott Faughn, executive vice president of Poplar Bluff Industries, "The collaboration of the local banks, the city of Poplar Bluff and rural development typifies the kind of partnerships that are necessary to approve financing to major employers and assist them in competitive expansion."

Banks participating in the loan include First Community Bank, First Midwest Bank, U.S. Bank, Southern Missouri Bank, First Missouri State Bank and Commerce Bank.

Established in 1965, NORDYNE manufactures residential heating and cooling products for other companies, including Frigidaire, Tappan, Gibson, Kelvinator and Philco.