New Investments Expand Arizona’s Next-Gen Manufacturing BaseNew Investments Expand Arizona’s Next-Gen Manufacturing Base
Both Kimberly-Clark and Beam Global are planning on new manufacturing facilities in Yuma, Arizona — furthering growth of the region’s advanced manufacturing and sustainable technology sectors. The companies cited access to transportation infrastructure and major markets and availability of manufacturing talent among the key in their decisions to locate in this city in southwestern Arizona.
With construction underway, Kimberly-Clark is building a 50,000-square-foot pilot facility representing a capital investment of more than $100 million. The company expects to create 50 full-time jobs at the Yuma plant.
At this pilot facility, the company will extract useful fibers from hesperaloe, a low-water-use and rapidly renewable plant native to Arizona and elsewhere the southwest United States, which have the potential to be used in the company’s future hygiene products. The facility is expected to be complete and begin operations in 2027.
“Yuma offers a unique combination of agricultural expertise, natural resources, and talent that make it an ideal location for our alternative natural fiber facility,” said Michael Todd, Vice President and Managing Director of Kimberly-Clark. “This investment reflects our commitment to exploring rapidly renewable fiber sources that have the potential to enhance the future of our products. Just as importantly, it represents an opportunity to invest in a community that shares our spirit of innovation and stewardship.”
“This monumental announcement reflects the strength of Greater Yuma’s competitive manufacturing advantages and the value of strong regional partnerships,” said Greg LaVann II, CEO and President of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, a public-private partnership to expand economic opportunity throughout the Greater Yuma region “Our strategic location with direct access to major domestic/international markets, a reliable energy supply, and an abundant workforce provide the foundation for companies like Kimberly-Clark to succeed.”
“Kimberly‑Clark’s decision to establish a new alternative natural fiber pilot facility in Yuma is a tremendous win for Arizona,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “This investment reflects not only the strength of Yuma County’s advanced manufacturing and agricultural assets, but also Arizona’s growing leadership in sustainable industry. We’re proud to partner with GYEDC and the City of Yuma to support Kimberly‑Clark as they expand their innovative, sustainability‑focused operations in our state.”
Also in Yuma, California-based Beam Global is relocating its manufacturing and production operations to the city. Under a leasing agreement, the sustainable infrastructure technology company will operate in two adjacent industrial buildings totaling approximately 55,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space. The company plans to occupy both buildings by the beginning of next year and will maintain its corporate headquarters in San Diego.
Beam Global develops and manufactures infrastructure products and technologies supporting EV charging, energy storage, energy security, transportation, and smart city applications. The company designs, engineers and manufactures its proprietary technology solutions in the United States and through facilities in Europe and the Middle East.
The company’s new campus is located within an established manufacturing zone offering road and rail access, which is expected to support efficient shipping and supply chain operations. The relocation is anticipated to generate approximately $400,000 in rent savings during 2026 and $2.7 million over the company’s five-year lease term compared with its current facility.
The company has also identified Yuma’s proximity to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma as an advantage in its continued efforts to recruit veterans and skilled manufacturing employees.
“This relocation is one of the most impactful steps we can take to improve our gross margins and move more quickly toward becoming cash flow positive while positioning ourselves for significant growth and saving money,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “We will continue to design and manufacture our innovative products here in the U.S., but doing so in Arizona allows us to operate far more efficiently and to scale as demand for our energy storage and security, transportation and smart city solutions continue to grow.”
