The Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation (GYEDC), in partnership with the City of Yuma and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), announced that Kimberly-Clark Corporation is building one of its newest U.S. facilities in Yuma, Arizona, a 50,000-square-foot pilot facility representing a capital investment of over $100 million.
The project is well under construction and expected to create 50 full-time jobs, further strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing and sustainable industry base.
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Kimberly-Clark Corporation is a global consumer products company that manufactures some of the world’s most trusted personal care and hygiene brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle, Kotex and Depend. Serving consumers in more than 175 countries, the company focuses on innovation, sustainability and delivering everyday essentials that improve health, hygiene and well-being.
“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. “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. We are honored that Kimberly-Clark has chosen Greater Yuma for this significant investment and are committed to supporting the company’s long-term success.”
“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. We appreciate the continued partnership of the City of Yuma, Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, the Arizona Commerce Authority, local growers, and community stakeholders, and we look forward to building on that collaboration as we help support greater Yuma’s ongoing growth and success.”
“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.”
“We welcome Kimberly Clark! This investment is a perfect example of building upon our historical and strong agricultural industry, while developing our future innovation industries,” said Mayor Douglas Nicholls, City of Yuma.
The Yuma pilot facility 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 pilot facility is expected to be complete and begin operations in 2027.
Advancing Sustainable Industry in the Greater Yuma Region
The new Yuma pilot facility’s focus on natural fibers aligns with Kimberly-Clark’s global sustainability goals and reinforces the Greater Yuma region’s position as a leader in agriculture technology, renewable resources, and advanced manufacturing.
Yuma’s unique assets, including its year-round agricultural production, proximity to California and Mexico markets, robust transportation networks, and available industrial land make it an ideal location for agriculture-related operations. The project also complements Greater Yuma’s ongoing investments in regional infrastructure and energy and its direct access to major domestic/international markets.
This announcement represents another milestone in the region’s economic momentum, attracting high-quality employers that bring both innovation and sustainability to the forefront of economic growth.
