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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LaCroix Precision Optics Expands in Batesville, Arkansas, Creating 107 New Jobs
LaCroix Precision Optics is expanding in Batesville, Arkansas, creating 107 new jobs.
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Readfrom the blog
Infographic: Arkansas is ripe for food and beverage manufacturers
October 31, 2018Unique dishes and drinks are an important part of every state’s culture. In Arkansas, the food and beverage manufacturing industry is a key player in the state’s economy. Arkansas is home to more than 300 employers in the industry, and the state is dedicated to growing and maintaining its workforce through postsecondary education, certification programs and trainings.
Our latest infographic highlights Arkansas’ top food and beverage manufacturers, looks at the current industry workforce, examines concerns food and beverage industry leaders have when making location decisions, and demonstrates how Arkansas is meeting the need for a highly trained food and beverage workforce.
Arkansas’ food and beverage advantages are clear, and companies looking to start, expand or relocate their food or beverage businesses in Arkansas will find our state ripe with opportunity.
To stay up-to-date with statewide food and beverage news, subscribe to our quarterly newsletter.
Back to the Main Blog
Infographics, Key Industries, Maps, Resources, Why Arkansas, Workforce
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.
