Conway, AR — Intersate Group announced in April that it would begin manufacturing cargo trailers in Conway. Today, Michael Snow, president of Interstate, said the company will also move its corporate headquarters from Phoenix, Ariz., to Conway, consolidating all accounting and administrative functions, as well as several sales and territory manager positions.

“Weíre thrilled that Interstate Group will move its corporate headquarters to Arkansas,“ said Gov. Mike Huckabee. “The people of Conway have shown what a great place their city is for businesses and families. Weíre confident Interstate will be pleased with its new home and will operate a successful business here.“

The headquarters will be located adjacent to the companyís manufacturing plant on Dave Ward Drive in west Conway. The offices will open in July and the move will be completed by August. The manufacturing operation will be in the former Spirit Homes facility, which Interstate will soon renovate, with production scheduled to begin in September.

Michael Snow, president of Interstate, said, “I am excited to consolidate our corporate functions in Conway. We are finding great people here who will help our company succeed in the future. The central location will facilitate our future growth and minimize travel time and cost.“

The headquarters will employ approximately 15 people, including five who will relocate from Interstateís operations in Phoenix and Nampa, Idaho, with the rest being new hires. The manufacturing facility will employ a start-up workforce of 30-40 people and eventually hire 100.

“Interstateís decision to move its corporate headquarters to Conway was an unexpected bonus in addition to their new manufacturing plant,î said Bill Hegeman, president of the Conway Development Corporation. ìWe are very honored to be the new home for this growing company.“

Interstate Group, which began operations in 1995, produces a full line of work and recreation trailers. In addition to Conway, the company has manufacturing plants in Kingman, Ariz., and Nampa. Most of the companyís dealers are currently in the western United States and Canada, but the company is now recruiting dealers within a 500-mile radius of Conway. The Web site is www.interstatecargo.com.

“We are proud that Interstateís leadership is choosing to move their corporate headquarters to Conway. We have truly enjoyed working with the leadership team over the past several months and look forward to their move to central Arkansas,“ said Conway Mayor Tab Townsell.

Interstate Group is the second company to locate its corporate headquarters in Conway in the past year. Boltz Steel Furniture moved to the city from California in December.

“One of the goals of Arkansas economic developers is to recruit corporate headquarters to our state,î said Jim Pickens, director of the Arkansas Department of Economic Development. ìWe are very pleased that Interstate Group has determined that Arkansas ‚ and Conway in particular ‚ has what it takes for their company to be successful.“

Hugh McDonald, chairman of the Central Arkansas Economic Development Alliance, added, “I am very excited to have Interstate Group as a part of the Central Arkansas economy and know that Conway will provide a great business environment. Recruiting Interstateís headquarter operations to central Arkansas is a true testament of regional cooperation and reflects highly on the areaís capability to attract professional jobs.“

The mission of the Alliance, which represents 11 counties in central Arkansas, is to pool resources and market the region as one.