2019
Press
Releases
12.09.2019 – Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New Robotic Spray Facility at Amfuel
MAGNOLIA, ARK. – Col. Wyeth Anderson, Col. Victor Argobright, and Rodney Mayo of the Defense Contract Management Agency, along with Magnolia Mayor Parnell Vann and other dignitaries, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a new robotic spray facility to be constructed at Amfuel.
Vice President of Operations Faith Elliott said, “This is a critical step in our manufacturing process. These automated spray rooms will have a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment to ensure quality. Amfuel will be able to build a higher-quality product faster.” The new spray rooms are funded by a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense.
Mayo, deputy commander of DCMA in Dallas, remarked to employees in attendance, “Amfuel has reinvented itself and is expanding its ability to meet warfighter needs all over the globe. Your selfless service and attention to detail is appreciated by soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. Your labor builds heroes. You are heroes.”
12.03.2019 – U.S. Marine Helicopter AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopter Visits Amfuel
MAGNOLIA, ARK. – Col. Vic Argobright, the DCMA Bell commanding officer for the U.S. Marines arranged for a Bell H-1 helicopter gunship to land at Magnolia Municipal Airport so that Amfuel employees could get a close-up look at an aircraft employing their handiwork. Argobright remarked in a follow-up visit that he has flown Cobra gunships for more than 20 years and other aircraft with Amfuel cells for more than that. “What you do here on a daily basis is important,” he told Amfuel employees. Michael Accordino, Amfuel President thanked Col. Algobright for arranging the flyover stating, “It is incredibly exciting and motivational for our employees to see the actual helicopter that they work every day to support. This makes it personal where they can see exactly how what they do enables warfighters to carry out their missions.”
09.20.2019 – Visible Change at Amfuel – Transformation in Underway
MAGNOLIA, ARK. – Positive early indicators of Amfuel’s transformation under new ownership are clearly visible to the community. In addition to ongoing hiring to rebuild and enhance the workforce, the Magnolia Reporter (magnoliareporter.com) notes the improvements to the exterior of the main facility including new blue siding across the front and large AC units to enhance employee comfort during warm weather months. “Investments in the quality of the existing facility are a good sign.” Amfuel VP of Operations, Faith Elliott, commented, “This is just the beginning of a significant investment over the coming months and years in equipment and infrastructure to better serve our customers. We are working diligently to plan and execute multiple improvement projects and are excited about the positive impact this will have for years to come.”
07.11.2019 – Amfuel is Increasing Production, Hiring More Workers
MAGNOLIA, ARK. – Amfuel President Michael Accordino was the guest speaker for Rotary Club of Magnolia. Accordino is part of LB Advisors, the group that, along with Jet Capital, purchased Amfuel out of bankruptcy in November 2018. In the second month under new ownership, Amfuel’s productivity more than doubled.
“To be clear, we are staying in Magnolia. We are not going anywhere,” Accordino told Rotary Club attendees. “Not only are we not going into bankruptcy again but we are also thriving and growing and we are hiring. Stay tuned for many good things to come. I want to get that message out so that everyone knows.”
02.04.2019 – Magnolia Welcomes New Owners and Sees Bright Days Ahead
MAGNOLIA, ARK. – Magnolia’s Banner-News reported that Amfuel was purchased out of bankruptcy by LB Advisors LLC. Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ellie Baker said, “They are very well versed in all areas—operations, aircraft, investments, and so on. We feel like if they can’t make it work, nobody can.” Employee morale was one of the first issues addressed, with positive changes such as Christmas bonuses, upgrading employee facilities, and improving parking lots. “They’re starting on the ground level, and we are impressed with what we ee so far. We have high expectations for job retention and growth in Columbia County,” Baker said.
American Fuel Cell and Coated Fabrics Company, LLC (Amfuel) is the premier manufacturer of self‐sealing and crash resistant fuel cells for aviation and defense, support services and liquid logistic solutions. Fuel cells are specialized fuel bladders for fixed wing and vertical lift aircraft, and ground vehicles. Liquid logistic bladder solutions range in size from 5,000 gallon transportable to 1,000,000 gallon embankment tanks.
Phone: +1 (870) 234-3381, +1 (870) 235-7203 (Direct Sales Office)
Email: press@amfuel.com
Location: 601 Firestone Dr. Magnolia, AR 71753