Arrow opens U.S. plant

FORT WORTH, Texas (May 16)—Arrow Hose & Tubing Inc. has opened a 15,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in Fort Worth to give the Guelph, Ontario-headquartered company a base in the U.S. The maker of thermoplastic elastomer hose and tubing also hired a staff of five and purchased new machinery—including extruders, compressors, and custom-made reinforcing and winding equipment along with tooling it designed. The new factory has the same capabilities as Arrow's 55,000-sq.-ft. plant in Guelph, President Geoff Planting said. It was needed because the company's business was growing rapidly—especially in the southern portion of the U.S., Mexico and South America—and the new site allows for faster product turnaround, keeps costs down but quality up and makes it easier to deal with customers, he said.