Strafford company to add 95 jobs, invest $2.6M

Strafford-based manufacturer American Products LLC plans to add 95 jobs and invest in the area economy to the tune of $2.6 million.

American Products will add on to its existing work force of 154 employees with jobs for welders, machine operators and support staff. The capital investment will largely be spent on new machinery and equipment, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Through DED, the state offered American Products $214,900 in Enhanced Enterprise Zone tax credits for five years, and energy and sales tax exemptions.

“This new investment and significant job creation is a big step forward for the economy of southwest Missouri,” Gov. Jay Nixon said in the release. “This is another sign that our economy is moving in the right direction, and we continue to fight every single day, for every single job, to keep our economy moving forward.”

Steve Smith, American Products founder and CEO, said the company's announcement ties directly to consumer demand for the company's products, which includes custom metal enclosures for telecom and cable, fiber optic and electric equipment. The company was incorporated in 2002.

"We feel very fortunate to be experiencing growth like we are," he said in the release.
In November, American Products acquired assets of Jacksonville, Fla.-based Envirosafe Technologies Inc.[[In-content Ad]]