BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. — Sierra Group Roofing & Solar is expanding into metal manufacturing specializing in standing seam, R-panel, gutters, and metal roofing accessories made with galvanized steel and galvalume. The expansion will include an investment of $1.6 million for a new 11,000-square-foot headquarters in Blytheville, Ark., and will create 40 full time jobs locally.

“Today’s announcement reiterates our commitment to Mississippi County and the State of Arkansas by providing the best supply chain solution and value add to our markets,” said Marcos Sierra, Sierra Group Roofing and Solar president and CEO. “Our intention with this investment is to offer our customers in the region the combined benefit of localized service and access to local resources.”

The new manufacturing branch will provide a long-term supply chain solution to the Northeast Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, West Tennessee, and North Mississippi markets, according to the company.

“Arkansas is a great environment for small businesses — especially small businesses that are active and involved in their communities and local economies like Sierra Group Roofing & Solar is,” Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said. “Sierra Group is a great example of a company that is poised to make strides in the growing steel industry, and we wish them well as they embark on this latest venture.”

Standing seam, R-panel, gutters, and metal roofing accessories are made with galvanized steel and galvalume in 24 and 26 gauge to meet IBC and roof manufacturer specification codes.

Sierra Group Roofing & Solar is certified as a minority- and women-owned business enterprise under the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Certification Program — a program which is administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

“I am very excited about the Sierra Group’s expansion plans in Blytheville,” Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson said. “They have proven to be an excellent partner in Mississippi County by striving to hire locally and to reinvest as much as possible in the county by being engaged in multiple local organizations, through local investment/purchases, and through local charitable initiatives. I have no doubt that their expansion into manufacturing will not only be a success for them, but will also increase their impact upon Mississippi County in a positive way.”