DAVIDSON, N.C. — Trane plans to expand operations at its manufacturing facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The project is expect to be completed late this year.
The expansion will support the production of thermal management solutions and provide the opportunity to increase the plant’s full-time workforce by about 20% over the next year, the company said in a press release. Nearly 300 people currently work at the facility.
“We’re excited to expand our operations in Fort Smith, strengthening our manufacturing capacity in support of our customers and their sustainable business growth,” said Holly Paeper, president of the commercial HVAC Americas division at Trane Technologies. “We appreciate the longstanding collaboration with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, (and the) Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, and thank the leaders of Sebastian County and the city of Fort Smith. Their support has been instrumental in making this expansion a reality and underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the creation of high-quality jobs within the community.”
“If there’s one thing Arkansans can appreciate, it’s a good HVAC system in the heat of summer,” said Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “I am grateful for the nearly three decades Trane has invested in the people and community of Fort Smith, and I am excited about what their latest expansion means for Arkansas’ workforce and economy.”
The facility has been an integral part of the Trane business and a member of the Fort Smith community for nearly 30 years. The site showcases Trane’s commitment to sustainability, with upgraded HVAC, lighting, and water systems to help reduce energy and water usage, while creating a more comfortable, efficient environment, and eliminating the landfilling of wood waste, the press release said. In February 2024, the facility celebrated 12 consecutive years — more than 5 million work hours — without a lost time safety incident, and is on track to reach 6 million hours without a lost time incident by October.
Trane employees continue to support the Fort Smith community through volunteerism, already more than doubling volunteer hours in 2025, compared with 2024, the company said.
“Trane Technologies is an international manufacturing leader, and the company has chosen Fort Smith, Arkansas, for its latest expansion. This new expansion will create more than 60 new jobs, making a significant impact on the local economy,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Fort Smith has all the elements needed for business success, and we congratulate the city and its leadership on this latest win.”
“Trane’s capital investment and expansion in Fort Smith reinforces our city’s role as a center of advanced manufacturing,” said Fort Smith Mayor George McGill. “The addition of more than 60 new jobs reflects their confidence in our skilled workforce and our community’s business-friendly environment. With nearly 300 employees already here, Trane’s continued growth is a strong indicator of Fort Smith’s economic momentum and industrial strength.”