| For Immediate Release November 18, 2022
For more information:
Laurie Provin
865-256-0480
lprovin@claridgeproducts.com Claridge Products Celebrates 75th Anniversary Company employs more than 300 in Harrison, Arkansas Harrison, Arkansas - Writing surface manufacturer Claridge Products and Equipment (“Claridge”) will commemorate its 75th anniversary on November 29 with a celebration at its primary manufacturing facility in Harrison, Arkansas. The company employs more than 300 at its Harrison location and more than 550 nationwide. Founded in 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, the company moved to Harrison in 1955. It operated as a family-owned business until 2020 when it was purchased by Skylark Private Equity Partners, LP (“Skylark”), a Dallas-based private equity firm. “Claridge has been a part of Harrison for seven decades and we are proud to play such an important role in the community. We recognize the responsibility that comes with being one of the area’s largest employers and are committed to offering stable, well-paying jobs and to being good corporate citizens,” said Hunter Peterson, Skylark’s Managing Partner, noting the new ownership team chose to move operations to new, more modern, and efficient facilities in Harrison rather than to relocate the business outside the area. “Without the dedication of our employees and the business-friendly and supportive environment of Harrison throughout the years, this anniversary would not have been possible. As we observe this milestone, we are not only marking an anniversary, but are also celebrating those employees and the community as well,” Peterson said. Harrison Mayor Jerry Jackson said that “The history of Claridge is the history of Harrison’s manufacturing business. The employees are an integral part of our Harrison and Boone County community. We’re thrilled that the new owners elected to remain and expand here.” Nationwide presence Claridge has long served as a leading provider of writing surfaces to K-12 schools across North America. Over its history, Claridge has added manufacturing and distribution capabilities, developed new products, and expanded its solutions to address corporate commercial customers. The Company currently has a portfolio of 2,000 products with over 24,000 configurations, offering both stock and customized writing surfaces and related solutions. In addition to Harrison, Claridge has manufacturing operations in Wetumpka, Alabama, and Corona, California, as well as 6 distribution and service centers in regional hubs throughout the country. Positioned for growth While Claridge has enjoyed success as the industry leaders in the writing surface market for 75 years, investment and strategic growth plans were much needed for the company to thrive in a new competitive landscape, said CEO Dave Calhoun. “Over the past 18 months, we have made significant investments in facilities, equipment, operating systems and personnel,” he said, “We have moved two of our three major production plants into new and improved facilities and have opened service centers in strategic locations. Our rich legacy combined with these new investments mean we are entering our 75th year more prepared for sustained growth than in any time in Claridge history,” Calhoun said. Bob Largent, Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, noted that, “The company is a key part of the business community, from an annual employee payroll to local services from transportation to maintenance and supplies totaling in the millions of dollars. Claridge also gives back to its home and has engagement in multiple charitable and nonprofit organizations. They’re a great community partner!” The 75th anniversary celebration will include remarks from state, regional and local leaders, recognition of employee milestones and achievements and other commemorative activities. All events will be held at Claridge Products, 805 Cottonwood Road, Annex 3, Harrison, Arkansas 72601, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on November 29, 2022. About Claridge Products
As the leader in writing surfaces and functional space division, Claridge inspires collaboration with best-in-class products that are produced in the USA across three manufacturing facilities and distributed throughout North America. With a broad product portfolio and the ability to deliver customized solutions, Claridge is uniquely qualified to provide businesses, general contractors and schools with the highest quality writing surfaces and a unique customer experience. For more information, or to design your next glass or porcelain board, visit www.claridgeproducts.com. |