Crawford County’s Advanced Fiber Technology Expands to Meet Demand, While Arizona State University Launches New AI Degree Program

Advanced Fiber Technology (AFT), a company founded in 1988 by Bucyrus-native Doug Leuthold, has recently announced the opening of its second production line at its facility in Crossroads Industrial Park. This expansion, which comes with an investment of $5.5 million, including $4.75 million in cutting-edge technology, robotics, and automation, will create six full-time positions and maintain the company’s current workforce of 33 employees.

The new plant features state-of-the-art equipment manufactured in the US, with many pieces coming from right here in Crawford County. AFT specializes in converting recycled wastepaper into insulation for residential and commercial projects, as well as fibers for asphalt paving and industrial applications. The company’s growth has been steady since establishing its first facility in Bucyrus in 2001, and now with the addition of a second production line, AFT will be able to meet the increasing demand for its products.

Meanwhile, Arizona State University has just introduced a degree program in artificial intelligence (AI), reflecting the growing popularity of this technology as it continues to evolve. This is the first program of its kind at ASU, showcasing the university’s commitment to staying up to date with the latest trends in technology. As AI continues to shape our world, ASU’s new program will provide students with the skills they need to succeed in this rapidly changing field.