Carvana holds Grand Opening ceremony

West Memphis welcomes new facility to the community

By JOHN RECH

news@theeveningtimes.com

The world’s largest internet- based used car dealer officially cut the ribbon in West Memphis last week on its new distribution center. The e-commerce auto giant employed a unique virtual ribbon cutting considering pandemic protocols and allowed for a limited number of dignitaries to join Carvana General Manager Donald Lank for the ribbon cutting broadcast on social media.

Governor Asa Hutchinson, State Commerce Secretary Mike Preston; State Senator Keith Ingram; West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon, city economic Development Director Phillip Sorrell and city Economic Development Project Manager Mallory Darby celebrated the grand opening of the new vehicle inspection and distribution center in the Mid-America Industrial Park.

The $40 million distribution hub took just 16 months to build and created 400 well paying jobs for the local economy. The facility located near Fed Ex Distribution, Sediver, and the Family Dollar Distribution Center north of Interstate 40 and East of College Boulevard was geared to inspect, recondition, photograph and store vehicle inventory. The paved parking area provided space for about 10,000 vehicles on a 47 acre lot.

The company chose the West Memphis Mid-America Industrial Park site as an ideal distribution location at the intersection of Interstates 40 and 5,5 within a day’s delivery drive to most of the nation.

“Hundreds of skilled automotive professionals from the local work force have risen to meet the demand created by the opening of this new facility, and I look forward to seeing how Carvana’s investment continues to benefit hard working Arkansans in the Delta,” said Hutchinson.

The facility featured a state of the art vaulted photo studio with 3D vision for all encompassing

See RIBBON, page A3

Carvana unveiled its new inspection and distribution center in the Mid-America Industrial Park during a virtual ribbon cutting ceremony in West Memphis last week. Standing left to right for the grand opening photo were West Memphis Economic Development Director Phillip Sorrell, Arkansas Commerce Secretary Mike Preston, Sate Senator Keith Ingram, Carvana General Manager Donald Lank, Governor Asa Hutchinson, West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon, and West Memphis Economic Development Project Manager Mallory Darby.

Photos submitted

Carvana General manager Donald Lark toured Mayor Marco McClendon and Governor Asa Hutchinson though the new $40 million dollar vehicle inspection and distribution center in West Memphis. The new facility expanded e-commerce sales capacity and delivery speed for the used car selling giant. Carvana created 400 jobs for all kinds of auto technicians in the mid-south region.

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vehicle photos. The technology innovation allowed internet customers to completely peruse vehicles before making a purchasing decision.

“Companies in Arkansas are historically renowned for their innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Preston. “With its technologically innovative business model, I’m confident that Carvana will be a great fit for Arkansas’ business community, and I am excited to celebrate the opening of its new inspection center in West Memphis.”