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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Arkansas manufacturers produce hand sanitizer to combat COVID-19
March 26, 2020U.S. retailers have struggled to maintain a supply of hand sanitizer due to the spread of the coronavirus. Sensing a need, two Arkansas companies have pivoted from manufacturing liquor to produce hand sanitizer that is in short-supply worldwide.
Pernod Ricard USA - Fort Smith, Arkansas
Liquor company Pernod Ricard USA plans to repurpose its manufacturing facilities to temporarily produce and donate hand sanitizer in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
"The health and safety of our employees – and our communities – is our top priority," said Ann Mukherjee, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard USA.
"In times like this it is important that everyone, especially companies with strong U.S. roots, like ours, prioritize good corporate citizenship and step up in the name of the greater good. I am glad that we were able to form this public/private partnership and repurpose our spirits production facilities to meet a pressing, national need."
U.S. Representative Steve Womack of Arkansas expressed his appreciation for Pernod Ricard USA's initiative in Fort Smith. "Our top priority during this crisis is the health and safety of all Americans. It's great to see Pernod Ricard USA prioritizing a national need over short-term business gains to make an impact during this national emergency," said Womack.
Rock Town Distillery - Little Rock, Arkansas
Rock Town Distillery in Little Rock is using its high-proof spirits to make hand sanitizer available and free to the public. When distillery staff members saw the shortage of hand sanitizer, they quickly stepped up and provided an innovative solution.
"With demand for hand sanitizer currently outpacing supply, we are doing our part to help by using our high-proof spirits to make a hand sanitizer," the distillery tweeted. Members of the community were able to bring their own containers and received six ounces of hand sanitizer to protect against community spread of the virus.
Even in the face of pandemic, Arkansans are innovative and resilient. We are proud of Arkansas companies for stepping up during this national emergency to help our communities stay healthy. Pernod Ricard and Rock Town Distillery are examples of the generous response our state and country need to get through this crisis together.
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.
