Griffin, Hutchinson, El Dorado mayor comment on Murphy Oil closure

Arkansas Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin is shown in a Jan. 16, 2015, file photo.
Arkansas Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin is shown in a Jan. 16, 2015, file photo.

Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin, Governor Asa Huthinson and El Dorado Mayor Veronica Smith-Creer have commented on the Wednesday announcement from Murphy Oil Corp., stating that its El Dorado office would be closed and merged with its Houston, Texas, operations.

"I am so very sad Arkansas is losing an iconic company and the important jobs they provide in South Arkansas where I grew up. Murphy Oil has been a generous corporate citizen and called Arkansas home for decades," Griffin said, a Magnolia native said. "They will be sorely missed. They have been a strong supporter of the El Dorado community, and I am thankful they will continue to support the El Dorado Promise Scholarship. The unprecedented economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business community cannot be overstated, but this news is also a reminder that there is intense competition for jobs and industry, and we must remain committed to improving Arkansas's business climate." ​

Griffin is also a graduate of Magnolia High School, located roughly 40 miles west of El Dorado.

Murphy Oil's move was said to be due to the recent collapse of oil prices.

An office in Calgary, Alberta, Canada will also be closed. The El Dorado Promise scholarship program will continue.

Murphy USA and its 600 jobs are expected to remain in El Dorado.

In total, about 80 employees will be affected by the Murphy Oil move in El Dorado. All worldwide staff activities will also be consolidated at the company's existing office in Houston.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he was saddened by the news but pleased that Murphy USA, the chain of gas stations and convenience stores, will keep its headquarters in El Dorado with 600 employees.

“We know that we will continue to work with both companies in the future," Hutchinson said.

Smith-Creer said the company's move is a hit for the city.

“I’ve been here all my life and that’s been one of our bragging rights that El Dorado has had," she said. “Of course that changes some things. With Murphy USA still being here, we can still brag about that."

Some information in this article was contributed by the Associated Press.

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