KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Kimberly-Clark’s Maumelle Facility Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Kimberly-Clark’s Maumelle Facility Celebrates 20th Anniversary

MAUMELLE, ARK. (November 29, 2010) — Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) is pleased to announce that this year its Maumelle facility is celebrating 20 years of innovative manufacturing and actively contributing to the local community.
    Opened in 1990, the 359,000-square-foot Maumelle facility is the sole producer Kimberly-Clark's HUGGIES®  Baby Wipes in North America. HUGGIES is the leading baby wipes brand in North America.
     Over the past 20 years, the Maumelle facility has played a vital role in the community. It currently employs more than 230 people, and its employees are involved in a number of local organizations, adding value to and making an impact on their community.
    "The Maumelle Team is excited to celebrate 20 years of producing HUGGIES Baby Wipes in the great state of Arkansas," said Kirk Linna, Maumelle facility manager. "We have a highly motivated team that delivers excellent results for Kimberly-Clark and has provided great support for the community over the last two decades."
    Last month, Maumelle Mayor Michael Watson recognized the company's milestone anniversary and commitment to the city – which has included contributing to the economy by providing jobs, revenues and in investment in the community – by proclaiming October 9 "Kimberly-Clark Corporation Day."
    "Kimberly-Clark has been active in the community since coming to Arkansas 20 years ago, and during that time, we have been able to continue a very strong community relationship with them," said Judy Keller, director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Maumelle's Chamber of Commerce. "The City of Maumelle is pleased to congratulate Kimberly-Clark Corporation on its 20th anniversary in Maumelle. Thank you for your partnership and your commitment to achieving what is best not only for the company, but also for your employees and the community!  We value you as a neighbor and as a business partner and appreciate your contributions to Maumelle and the surrounding area."
Two decades of progress
   Ground was broken for the Maumelle facility in December 1989. In September 1990, Kimberly-Clark opened a 48,000-square-foot facility with 30 employees and one asset, producing two types of HUGGIES Baby Wipes. The product launched with limited distribution in California. In I992, a major expansion that included the installation of a second converting line was completed.  By August 1992, HUGGIES Baby Wipes were in national distribution.
    Linna cited a focus on productivity improvements and the company's continuous capital investment as a couple of factors that have helped fuel the facility's advancement over the years.
    But in the end, it comes down to Kimberly-Clark's dedicated employees, he said. "Our colleagues demonstrate a high degree of ownership in the baby wipes business, and they embrace the challenges that come with being the sole producer of baby wipes for North America," Linna said. "It's impressive to see the progress we have made – whether it involves moving the business ahead with our Lean value stream initiatives or contributing to the community through various local organizations. I am proud to be a part of such a great team, and I am excited about the prospect of their accomplishments over the next 20-plus years."