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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University of Arkansas Supply Chain Management Department Ranked Best in North America
July 13, 2020The supply chain management undergraduate department in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas has been ranked No. 1 in North America by the leading global research firm Gartner.
The rankings reflect excellence in three specific areas: industry value, program scope, and program size. Gartner releases its findings on supply chain programs every two years. The University of Arkansas program moved up 14 spots in the top 25 from the previous rankings in 2018.
According to Gartner, the program’s ascension was due to its comprehensive curriculum, explicit inclusion of global content, great popularity within the industry, robust program size, strong internship and co-op participation, and starting salary.
“It’s an honor to earn such outstanding recognition,” said Brian Fugate, the chairman of the Supply Chain Management department. “Northwest Arkansas has become a hot-spot for the industry with all the great supply chain companies located nearby. It’s important that we do our part to add to that excellence.”
Located in Northwest Arkansas, the University of Arkansas is uniquely positioned in close proximity to the world’s largest retailer, Walmart. Not only do student have access to Walmart, over 300 Fortune 500 companies operate near campus.
The university began the program in the Sam M. Walton College of Business in 2011; it was started by Matt Waller and John Ozment.
“Gartner provides an unbiased report, and this No. 1 ranking recognizes the outstanding work and excellence of our faculty, staff and students,” said Waller, who is now Walton College dean and the Sam M. Walton Leadership Chair in Business. “The ranking also is highly respected throughout industry, which helps our students as they look for internships and move into careers.”
In addition to the recognition from Gartner, Waller will be honored with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals' 2020 Distinguished Service Award, the most prestigious in the industry.
Download the Gartner Supply Chain 2020 University Top 25
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.
