Missouri-based commercial refrigeration manufacturer True Manufacturing announced Thursday it will build a new facility in Poplar Bluff, investing $21 million and creating 175 new jobs in the area.
“This is very exciting news for Poplar Bluff. We’re honored and absolutely delighted that True Manufacturing has chosen our community to locate operations … and appreciate the additional employment opportunities it will bring to the area,” said Mayor Steve Davis.
True Manufacturing, which makes commercial refrigeration units, will build a new factory on a 54-acre site at the new Poplar Bluff industrial park, along Cheshire Boulevard.
Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2022, based on the availability of construction materials and weather, said Steve Halter, president of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to be open by the spring of 2023, Halter said.
The area where construction will be done was purchased in 2021 by the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce for future development. With the support of the Poplar Bluff City Council, grant money will be used to provide future infrastructure, Davis said.
The company’s new facility will enable expanded production of its current line of products, officials said Thursday.
“We look forward to a long, fruitful relationship with True Manufacturing and want them to know that Poplar Bluff will do its best to make their place here a successful and productive one,” Davis said.
True Manufacturing was started in 1945 by Robert J. Trulaske, who, according to the company website, had an idea of electric-powered refrigeration for commercial use one night after returning from World War II. Trulaske’s son, Steve Trulaske, is the current CEO of the company.
True Manufacturing’s expansion is a Missouri success story, said Governor Mike Parson.
“I’m proud that this world-class company is continuing to invest and grow right here in our state,” Parson said. “This new facility will provide quality jobs and fresh opportunities for Missourians in Poplar Bluff, while further strengthening our vibrant manufacturing sector. I look forward to seeing the company’s continued success.”
With more than 3.7 million square feet across its Missouri manufacturing facilities, True Manufacturing is committed to products that are designed, engineered and manufactured in the United States, according to a press release.
“We at True Manufacturing are excited to bring our 75-plus years of tradition and manufacturing excellence to the proud City of Poplar Bluff,” said Steve Trulaske, CEO of True Manufacturing. “With deep roots as a family-owned business, our purpose is to provide employment opportunities, at all levels of manufacturing, with opportunities for growth and career advancement. We will remain a refrigeration industry leader by honoring our past, innovating with new technologies, and entrenching ourselves within Poplar Bluff and surrounding communities. These are exciting times, and we are grateful to be embraced by such a wonderful community.”
This is an awesome Christmas gift for the community, said Halter.
“I’m excited and grateful to True Manufacturing for selecting Poplar Bluff as the home of their new manufacturing facility,” said Halter. “They are excellent to work with, produce quality products, and are committed to their employees. Poplar Bluff has a hardworking workforce who knows the value manufacturing brings to a community, and I look forward to working with Steve Trulaske and his team for many years to come.”
Many local individuals were part of the recruiting efforts, Halter said.
“I am forever grateful to City Manager Matt Winters, Mayor Steve Davis and the city council, Vince Lampe and the Butler County Commission, Crystal Jones with the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission, Billy Cobb with Smith & Company, Will Cooper with Three Rivers College, my staff (Jeannette Townsend and Samantha Gallamore), Poplar Bluff Industries Board Chair Austin Williams, Poplar Bluff Chamber Board Chair Danielle Berry, my full board of directors, the hard-working (current) manufacturing employees and leadership teams, Governor Parson, Shad Burner and his team at the Missouri Department of Economic Development and our state and federal legislators,” Halter said. “Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the citizens of Poplar Bluff and Butler County who have continuously supported infrastructure efforts such as the industrial park bypass, industrial park overpass and Highway 67/future Interstate 57. Projects like these do not happen without a supportive community and incredible local economic development team.”
True Manufacturing’s expansion to Poplar Bluff is exciting for the community and surrounding area, said Department of Economic Development Acting Director Maggie Kost.
“We’re proud to help this Missouri-made company thrive and create additional jobs and opportunities for Missouri families,” Kost said.
For this expansion, True Manufacturing used the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.
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