Batesville-based Bad Boy Mowers is investing $7.8 million in a facility expansion that is expected to add 160 jobs, raising the total employment to around 750.
Company officials said Monday (Dec. 14) the expansion is a 68,000-square-foot property on 10 acres near existing 1 million-square-foot building on 29 acres.
According to a statement from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the expansion is a result of an increase in demand for Bad Boy’s zero turn mower product line, as well as its sister company’s (Bad Boy Cutters) rotary cutter product line. The expansion will also feed Bad Boy’s new accessory division, which will manufacture a variety of new vehicle accessories.
Bad Boy Mowers began production in Batesville in 2002 in a 20,000 square-foot facility with 25 employees, and has experienced growth during its 13 years, and particularly in recent years, having averaged over 33% growth in each of the past two years.
“Bad Boy is excited about our continued growth, and our ability to continue adding good-paying jobs to our area. We are very proud of our partnership with the state of Arkansas, as well as our local community, and look forward to continued growth and success,” Bad Boy owner Phil Pulley said in the statement.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) attended the Monday announcement in Batesville.
“Bad Boy Mowers is a prime example of the entrepreneurial spirit in Arkansas,” Gov. Hutchinson said in the AEDC statement. “While still a relatively young company, Bad Boy has grown and continues to thrive here because of its strong leadership combined with a skilled and dedicated workforce. We appreciate the company’s ongoing commitment to doing business in Arkansas.”
The company has experienced several expansions in its recent history, including an expansion in 2012, and again in 2014. Bad Boy now employs more than 600 people in its Batesville facilities and has expanded its product line to include several different types of mowers, accessories, cutters, and culvert cleaners.
