Nidec to expand electric motor production capacity in Mena, Arkansas

Nidec Motor Corporation has announced plans for a 61,000-square-foot expansion of its existing facility in Mena, Arkansas, to enable the company to add production and increase capacity for its test lab, as well as add a new customer demonstration room for its large-scale motors. The expansion will cost more than $19 million and is expected to create 35 new jobs over five years.

“This significant investment in our plant in Mena marks a milestone in our growth as a manufacturer of electric motors,” said Claudemir dos Santos, Nidec Global ACIM COO and Vice President of Operations for North America and Latin America. “We’ve essentially outgrown our facility, and the new space we add will allow us to expand not only our manufacturing capabilities but also our testing labs and to improve the experience for customers who visit the location,”

Nidec’s current Mena facility is 347,000 square feet, is ISO9001-2016 certified, and employs approximately 400 workers. The company has operated in Mena since 1966, producing the U.S. MOTORS brand stock and custom electric motors. The Mena facility specializes in the manufacture of large vertical and horizontal motors, particularly for motors used for movement of liquids, including irrigation, water/wastewater, and oil and natural gas. U.S. MOTORS is part of Nidec's Appliance, Commercial and Industrial Motors (ACIM) organization.

“With its latest investment, Nidec is expanding its operations in Mena, Arkansas, and growing its workforce in the community,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Since the 1960s, Nidec has been a key part of Mena’s business community, manufacturing large-scale motors. This investment is a testament to the business-friendly environment in Mena and Arkansas – and we congratulate the leadership at Nidec and in Mena on this milestone.”

The AEDC team recently visited Nidec’s corporate headquarters in Kyoto, Japan, as part of a business development mission. During the visit, AEDC officials and Nidec executives had a positive discussion about the expansion and ongoing operations in Arkansas.

“Nidec’s decision to expand in Mena is a big win for our community,” said Mena Mayor Seth Smith. “It shows their trust in the hardworking people of Polk County and their belief in the future of our city. With the support of AEDC, we’re excited about the new jobs and opportunities this project will create for our families.”

Construction on the expansion has begun and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2027.