SAF-Holland has announced that is expanding its operations in Dumas, Ark., opening a new facility to accommodate increased demand from current customers.

The expansion takes place as part of an ongoing restructuring of SAF-Holland’s North American plant network. The network is currently being centralized and placed closer to the customer base of the trailer and truck industry to strengthen long-term competitiveness. Internal logistics processes are also being streamlined to improve lead-time responsiveness.

“Our investment in Dumas will enable SAF-Holland to expand the North American business as we prepare for increasing market demand also in the mid-term,” said Bjoern Meyer, vice president of operations, Americas. “It allows SAF-Holland closer proximity to our OEM customers and enhances our level of service to our distributors and fleet customers. Ultimately, the location provides a means to expand our distribution network to not only support existing customers but result in additional customers.”

SAF-Holland has increased its Dumas staff by over 40%, creating 60 new jobs to date with plans to end up at approximately 65 total new positions, according to the company. As budgeted, it will invest approximately $4 million in the facility for additional manufacturing and warehousing space, paint line, robotic welding cells, and other new technology and equipment to step up the group’s capacities in axle and suspension systems in the Americas region.

SAF-Holland currently employs 143 in Dumas where it manufactures trailer suspension and axle systems for commercial vehicles including Wabash National and Great Dane trailers.

“We appreciate the continued confidence SAF-Holland has in our workforce that led to this expansion,” said Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The jobs being created are the advanced manufacturing jobs that spur economic development and raise the quality of life for employees and their families.”