New Company Bringing More Jobs To Tulsa

Wednesday, March 21st 2007, 7:45 pm

By: News On 6

An Indianapolis-based company is opening a new facility in Tulsa, creating 60 to 80 new jobs. Itâ€™s a move local economists hope will create a domino affect in Tulsa's manufacturing industry. The industrial building on East Pine Street may not look like much of an economy booster, but News On 6 anchor Jennifer Loren reports inside, workers are wiring the place up, getting ready for its new occupant, Foam Rubber Products.

Also known as Lichter Rubber Products, the company makes high impact foam used in school bus seats. They moved here, in part, to be close to their customer, International Corporation, who makes buses.

"As their company is growing and we're growing with them, in combination with Tulsa having a very good business climate, it just made sense for us to be here where we can service our customer and like I said, grow with them," said Foam Rubber Products President Norm Smith.

A spokesperson for International Corporation says the move is great for both companies.

"Anytime you can increase your competitive posture in the community as well as the industry it's certainly a win, win situation when you can locate a major supplier adjacent to your facility," said Red Smith.

Itâ€™s the kind of move Mayor Kathy Taylor wants to see more of in Tulsa.

"This is what you really like to see, a company moving in that has a connection with an already established Tulsa company,â€ said Taylor. â€œSo you know that there's a long-term relationship and it helps both companies compete in a global economy."

Now all we need are those 60 to 80 workers Foam Rubber hopes to employ.

"At our unemployment rate now, work force is an issue,â€ Taylor said. â€œSo people need to come in when they post their notice and apply for the jobs."