Man killed in accident at local plant

A man was killed Saturday in an accident at Precoat Metals, formerly Roll Coater, a metal finishing and coating facility located near Armorel.

According to Andrew Farrant, a representative for the company, the victim was a Crane America technician who was conducting maintenance on a crane when he suffered a traumatic injury and was pronounced dead.

"Precoat Metals is cooperating with authorities as the accident is investigated. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the technician," he said.

Precoat purchased Roll Coater in September 2011 and has appoximately 60 employees at the Armorel plant. One of the leading coil suppliers, Precoat Metals was established in 1961 and has nine locations across the eastern portion of the country with more than 750 total employees. Precoat offers more than 11,000 different combinations of metal grades, widths, colors, substrates and finishes.

sharris@blythevillecourier.com