Procter & Gamble advances with US$500 million plant in Pinal County, Arizona
Approval of site plan cleared the way for infrastructure work, though the construction start date remains uncertain
Procter & Gamble (P&G), recognized for brands such as Tide PODS, Downy, and Bounce, is progressing with its plan to establish a US$500 million manufacturing plant in Pinal County, Arizona. The company, which revealed the initiative two years ago, has recently secured approval for a critical site plan from the city of Coolidge. This approval paves the way for infrastructure work on an 80-acre section of the 2 million-square-foot project.
Although the approval marks a significant milestone, the timeline for construction remains uncertain. Procter & Gamble has invested US$53 million in acquiring 430 acres of land, signaling its commitment to the region’s development potential. The site is strategically located in Inland Port Arizona, near Nikola Corp.’s electric vehicle factory. However, the plant is unlikely to be operational by 2025, which delays the anticipated creation of jobs and economic benefits for the area.
The approved site plan includes dedicated spaces totaling 162,798 square feet for manufacturing, 172,924 square feet for warehouse use, and 12,607 square feet for office space. These provisions demonstrate Procter & Gamble’s commitment to establishing a large-scale operational presence in the region, which is rapidly emerging as a manufacturing hub between Phoenix and Tucson.
David Nieves, senior director of Manufacturing at Procter & Gamble, discussed the company’s extensive site selection process during a planning commission meeting: “It’s a very big testament of where we want to be. It took a lot of selection to get here, over 600 sites were surveyed across seven states”.
In preparation for the plant’s development, Procter & Gamble is focused on securing essential infrastructure, including water, power, and rail services. This includes obtaining approval for a proposed rail spur from Union Pacific. The company is prioritizing infrastructure work, as these services are vital to the plant’s operations. Additionally, a traffic study and other requirements have been incorporated into the approved site plan.
The progress in site preparation, combined with local government support, underscores the growing manufacturing potential of Pinal County. Other companies, including Kohler Co., have also established a presence in the region, further contributing to its industrial growth. While the construction start date for Procter & Gamble’s plant remains uncertain, its eventual development is expected to significantly enhance the area’s manufacturing capabilities and create job opportunities, making it a key point of interest for the business community.
