President of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation Anna Powell.

Anna Powell, President of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation released a statement this morning pertaining to the corporation's response to the announcement last week by Husqvarna that it plans to shut down its Nashville, Arkansas plant:

"I have asked for the exact numbers on Hempstead County residents that currently are employed by Husqvarna. I am still awaiting those. I estimate it to be around 100 folks in Hempstead County being affected by the shut down. Based on my resource, the starting salary for most positions there are $16.00 per hour.

On behalf of Hempstead County Economic Development, we are extremely empathetic toward the many individuals and families that will be affected. I have reached out to the Howard County Mayor, County Judge and Chamber of Commerce Director to offer assistance in any way possible. Overall, the goal for Southwest Arkansas is to place another Industry in those facilities if possible.

That is the best outcome for Southwest Arkansas long term. In the meantime, I have specifically talked with several Industries in Hempstead County that are hoping to hire some of the displaced workers."