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Arkansas' Global Economy

The reach of the Arkansas economy is truly worldwide. Over 180 foreign owned companies currently operate in the state with representation from 33 countries. This vibrant international business ecosystem supports 32,000+ jobs for Arkansans and is growing expeditiously.

Why Arkansas?

Arkansas not only attracts global business investment to the state but exports products at impressive levels. In 2023, Arkansas exported $6.5 billion of goods representing a 9.2% increase over 2022. Exported products from Arkansas represented a hearty 5.1% of the state’s total GDP and, given Arkansas’ population of 3.063 million people, its total 2023 exports translated to roughly $2,100 generated per capita in the Natural State.
With an abundance of available sites and buildings, strong river ports, nine interstates, three Class I railroads, a quality workforce, pro-business policies, and a strong economy spanning a range of sectors, it’s no wonder international companies are finding Arkansas to be the natural choice for business.

 

Arkansas Top Sources of FDI

Number of Locations: 90

 

Approx. Employment: 4,000+

Number of Locations: 58

 

Approx. Employment: 4,000+

Number of Locations: 56

 

Approx. Employment: 4,900+

Number of Locations: 36

 

Approx. Employment: 1,000+

Number of Locations: 65

 

Approx. Employment: 3,500+

Number of Locations: 21

 

Approx. Employment: 550+

Number of Locations: 15

 

Approx. Employment: 1,100+

Number of Locations: 23

 

Approx. Employment: 1,000+

Number of Locations: 14

 

Approx. Employment: 1,700+

Number of Locations: 63

 

Approx. Employment: 2,200+

View Available Buildings and Sites

From the newsroom

Morin Opens Manufacturing Facility in Little Rock, Arkansas, Boosting Local Economy and Advancing U.S. Manufacturing

Oct 23, 2025, 10:30 AM by
Morin is locating a new manufacturing facility in Little Rock, Arkansas and creating 25 new jobs.

Facility to create 25 new jobs in Central Arkansas region

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (October 23, 2025) – Morin, a leading architectural metal panel manufacturer and member of the Kingspan Group, today held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its Little Rock, Arkansas facility, one of North America's most advanced architectural metal panel plants. The event welcomed elected officials, regional business leaders and Morin executives to celebrate this significant milestone.

This investment of approximately $15 million establishes a strategic hub for Morin in the heart of the U.S., leveraging Little Rock’s central location to significantly improve lead times and reduce shipping costs for customers. The facility introduces Morin's "next generation of roll forming" philosophy, utilizing highly automated processes and revolutionary equipment to produce its premier product lines with exceptional precision and quality.

"The opening of our Little Rock facility marks a pivotal moment for Morin and the architectural metal industry,” said Ilhan Eser, Morin President. “This plant is more than a building; it is the embodiment of our forward-thinking vision. By strategically positioning the most advanced roll-forming technology in the heart of the country, we are not only enhancing our service to customers but also setting a new benchmark for sustainable manufacturing. We are proud to invest in this community, create skilled jobs and build a future in Arkansas that is innovative, efficient and environmentally responsible."

The plant’s design embodies a strong commitment to sustainability, in line with Kingspan’s global Planet Passionate initiative. Powered entirely by renewable energy, the facility incorporates energy-efficient equipment and responsible waste management programs, achieving zero waste to landfill by year-end. Additionally, by serving central and southern markets locally, the plant not only reduces freight miles but also significantly lowers its overall carbon footprint, setting a new benchmark for environmentally conscious manufacturing.

“Morin’s investment in Arkansas marks a major milestone in Arkansas’ growth as a hub for manufacturing and innovation,” said Governor Sanders. “This year, I signed a legislative package called IMPACT that puts the state at the forefront of economic growth by cutting red tape, investing in our workforce, and making Arkansas the best place in the nation to do business. I’m proud to welcome Morin to Little Rock and look forward to the opportunities their expansion will create for our communities.”

“Little Rock’s place as a critical logistics and transportation hub is now an open secret, as more and more companies are learning the strengths of our location, our business climate, and most importantly, our highly skilled and talented workforce,” said Frank Scott Jr., Little Rock Mayor. We welcome Morin to the community, and value its commitment to workforce development and sustainability.”

“Morin is making a major investment in Little Rock, Arkansas with its new facility, creating 25 new jobs and building on a growing metals industry in the region,” said Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “By locating in Little Rock, Arkansas, Morin has chosen a business-friendly community and state that have the resources and public policy that will help the company succeed in the long-term. Congratulations to our partners in Little Rock and Pulaski County on another economic development win.”

“At the core of our economic development strategy is taking care of companies that have already invested in the metro Little Rock region, while also leveraging those relationships to recruit complementary businesses,” said Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “We are thrilled to welcome another brand within the Kingspan Group to Little Rock and are grateful for the opportunities this will create for 25 families in our region.”

“I’m proud to welcome Morin to Pulaski County,” said Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde. “Their investment brings skilled jobs, strengthens local businesses, and supports our workforce programs to train the next generation of talent — exactly the kind of sustainable, innovative growth we want for our community.”

The new facility is a significant economic catalyst for the region, creating 25 skilled jobs in its first phase. Morin also is actively partnering with local technical workforce development programs to build a talent pipeline and provide career opportunities for Arkansas residents. The investment is expected to stimulate demand for local suppliers and contractors, further reinforcing Arkansas' reputation as a center for advanced manufacturing and design innovation.

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About Morin
Founded in 1959, Morin, a subsidiary of the Kingspan Group, is a leading manufacturer of single-skin metal wall and roof systems and customizable metal panels, specializing in heavy-gauge roll-formed metal solutions. Offering a wide range of design options, Morin combines innovation, flexibility and sustainability, empowering architects and builders to create bold, high-performance structures that blend striking aesthetics with exceptional functionality. Learn more at morincorp.com.

About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission

At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit ArkansasEDC.com.

About the Little Rock Regional Chamber

The Little Rock Regional Chamber is the principal business-driven leadership organization responsible for fostering the economic growth and development of the Little Rock region to ensure that business and industry may operate profitably and enhance the earning opportunities and quality of life for every citizen. For more information, visit littlerockchamber.com.

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Neal Jansen

Director, Asia Office

+81-3-4530-9815

Dr. Cornelius Schnitzler

Director, Europe Office

+49.170.197.9799

Cam Napier

International Business Development Manager

(501) 478-5818

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Director, AEDC Korea Office

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Sewon Hwang

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+82-10-8905-4673