Manufacturers took hit in past year

Some state manufacturing firms are hiring but recovery is slow.

BY SUSAN SIMPSON | Published: November 14, 2010 Comment on this article

Program lures manufacturers

The state's Quality Jobs incentive program has helped lure some new manufacturers to Oklahoma. Since July 1, five companies have pledged job growth tied to the program, which rebates up to five percent of new payroll to qualifying companies.

/> "Decreased demand continues to affect Oklahoma's manufacturing sector,” said Tom Dublin, president of Manufacturers' News Inc., which publishes the register. "However, we're seeing fewer job losses than we did a year ago, and the state's favorable business climate continues to help improve the outlook.”

In this year's Oklahoma Inc. ranking, Orchids Paper Products was listed second in 2009 but fell to 27th this year. Based in Pryor, Orchid uses recycled waste paper to produce finished tissue products for retail chains throughout the central United States.

Company President Robert Snyder declined to comment about the company's performance and dip in profits this year.

AAON Inc. fell from fifth to 29th in the ranking. The Tulsa-based heating and air conditioning manufacturer has been hit by a slow commercial construction market.

In August, company CEO Norman Asbjornson said the outlook for the rest of 2010 is "challenging” but the company continues to invest in equipment and facilities and will introduce new products to position it for an industry upturn.

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