Hitting the Bullseye
The Industry at a Glance
- Home to the Duck Hunting Capital of the World: Stuttgart, Arkansas
- 3rd in economic output per capita in the arms and ammunition industry (Source: National Shooting Sports Foundation)
- 3rd Most Gun-Friendly State (Source: Ammo.com)
- 3rd Largest Exporter of Firearms and Ammunitions in the U.S. (Source: Global Trade Atlas, 2023)
- 8 pro-gun bills passed into law during the 2023 legislative session
- $2.3B in economic output
INFRASTRUCTURE
- Three U.S. interstates connecting east and west coasts, and the Canada and Mexico borders
- 16,418 miles of state and U.S. Highways – 12th largest system in the U.S.
- Eight intermodal freight facilities with four riverports
- 2,542 miles of Class 1 rail systems
- #3 in the nation with 1,000 miles of inland, navigable waterways
- Approximately 100 public airports including Clinton National, Northwest Arkansas National, and close proximity to Memphis International and the Fed-Ex hub
Well-trained workforce
- 7th highest percentage of manufacturing employment (Source: Business Facilities)
- 1.36M skilled and trained workforce
- 12% of Arkansas’ workforce is employed in manufacturing
- 8,400+ people employed in the arms and ammunitions industry.
Business Climate in Arkansas
- #3 Least Expensive State for Starting a Small Business (Source: SimplifyLLC)
- #2 on the Cost of Living Index (Source: C2ER)
- 7th highest percentage of manufacturing employment (Source: Business Facilities)
EDUCATION
- 50 colleges, universities & 2-year colleges throughout Arkansas
- 2,100+ engineering degrees awarded each year
- 150k+ students enrolled at an Arkansas institution of higher learning
- Black River Technical College is 1 of only 11 accredited gunsmithing programs in the US – and the only institution connected to a law enforcement training academy.
- Ozarka College's Precision Machining program prepares students for a career in manufacturing, providing them with skills in manual machining and operation of CNC mills and lathes.
Firearms & Ammunition Industry
Executive Overview
Arkansas is Primed for Success
Home to the duck hunting capital of the world and the 3rd most gun-friendly state, Arkansas is the natural choice for firearms and ammunition companies to find success.
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AEDC Director Discusses U.S.-China Rice & Beef Trade, NAFTA Negotiations
August 14, 2017Mike Preston, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), recently appeared on Talk Business & Politics to discuss how recent trips to China are increasing global business expansion in Arkansas. Preston traveled to China with Governor Asa Hutchinson to recruit potential manufacturers and to open additional agricultural markets for the state.
Their travels have not only paid dividends for Arkansas manufacturing and timber, but also for agriculture. Beef and rice exports have opened back up in China, which has been a game-changer for the state’s economy and its farmers. Arkansas is the top rice producing state in the U.S. and is home to Stuttgart-based Riceland Foods, one of the biggest rice marketers in America. Springdale-based Tyson Foods is one of the biggest beef producers in the world and has operations in China.
During Preston’s tenure at AEDC, Arkansas has landed three major Chinese-based manufacturing prospects – Tianyuan Garment Company in Little Rock, Shandong Ruyi in Forrest City and Sun Paper near Arkadelphia. Gov. Hutchinson and Preston are planning another trip to China in hopes that they can open more markets and bring new economic projects to the state.
Though economic development in Arkansas is thriving, some countries are concerned about potential changes to free trade. President Trump has served notice that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) should be reworked. Many are worried about how those potential changes could effect investments in the U.S.
Some global companies are putting their business plans on hold until they see what will happen with NAFTA. To ease concerns about the two-decade old agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Gov. Hutchinson signed a letter advocating an “open investment” policy for the state. The governor said several European countries expressed concerns about President Trump’s trade rhetoric and he wanted to assure partners that Arkansas remains open to foreign investment, which accounts for about 46,000 workers statewide.
Preston does agree that NAFTA could use an update, but wants to make sure that the changes will not hurt trade here in Arkansas. The main message he wants to express to companies around the world is that Arkansas remains open for business.
Back to the Main Blog
Foreign Direct Investment, Interviews, Leadership, Video
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. Here are some examples of businesses that are thriving!
Arkansas offers a range of competitive incentives for businesses looking to open, expand or relocate.
