BENTON, AR. — Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently visited the CoorsTek manufacturing facility in Benton as part of her Capital for a Day initiative, which designated Benton as Arkansas' temporary state capital for the day. The visit showcased the facility's advanced manufacturing capabilities and the skilled employees who produce critical ceramic components for defense and other industrial applications.
During the visit, CoorsTek leadership provided Governor Sanders with an overview of the company and its operations, followed by a tour of the manufacturing facility. The tour highlighted the CoorsTek Benton facility’s role in producing advanced ceramic armor components used to protect military personnel and mission critical components, as well as specialized components serving the energy and chemical processing industries.
"We are honored to welcome Governor Sanders to our Benton facility and share the work our employees do every day," said Steve Brazil, Senior Vice President of Aerospace & Defense at CoorsTek. "The advanced ceramic armor components manufactured here play a critical role in defense applications. Our Benton team takes tremendous pride in that mission, and this visit is an opportunity to recognize their expertise and dedication."
The Benton facility dates to the early 1970s, when Alumina Ceramics, Inc. (ACI) began serving the energy and chemical markets. CoorsTek acquired ACI in the late 1970s and moved operations to the current site in 1990. In 2022, CoorsTek reinforced its commitment to Benton by completing a $26 million, 50,000-square-foot expansion for advanced materials processing.
Governor Sanders' Capital for a Day program brings state government leaders into communities across Arkansas to engage with local officials, businesses, and residents while highlighting the industries and organizations contributing to the state's economy. Benton was the 28th community selected for the designation.
