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 Companies Inspire During COVID-19 Pandemic
August 05, 2020When the pandemic hit the Natural State, companies throughout Arkansas led in inspiring ways by adapting to uncertainty, contributing to their communities, and helping their employees. We collected examples of Arkansas-based businesses that continue to thrive and innovate despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Intimidator Group, Batesville: Responded to the pandemic with creative operations and sales tactics.
KT Produce, Lowell: Pivoted to sell fresh produce directly to consumers.
Women's Foundation of Arkansas, Little Rock: Providing six $5,000 grants to women-owned small businesses in Arkansas.
Movista, Bentonville: Filling the need for workforce health monitoring.
TY Garments, Little Rock: Dedicated to making and donating PPE to those who need it most.
Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, Statewide: Developed interactive tool designed to give insight into Arkansas hospitals’ bed capacity.
Hytrol, Jonesboro: Company takes care of employees, suppliers, and community.
Colson Group, Jonesboro: Medical equipment casters manufacturer rises to meet demand.
Ellis Fin Works & Machine, Benton: Company creates brass alloy Safe Touch Key to avoid touching doors, elevator buttons, and more.
Lexicon Fabricators and Constructors, Little Rock: Employees pivot to produce a new aluminum bracket for face shields.
Americo Vinyl & Fabric, West Memphis: Employees shift gears to produce cotton face masks and isolation gowns for local hospitals.
Pine Bluff Arsenal, Pine Bluff: Produced face masks to protect military personnel, Civilian employees, contractors, and all other individuals on DoD property.
Triumph Group, Hot Springs: Aerospace/Defense company will manufacture medical face masks.
Young Investment Company, Jonesboro: Property owner forgiving rent payment from restaurant tenants in April.
Pernod Ricard, Ft. Smith: Distillery producing hand sanitizer.
Rock Town Distillery, Little Rock: Distillery producing hand sanitizer.
Arkansas Community Foundation, Statewide: Created the COVID-19 Relief Fund to direct resources to Arkansas nonprofits disproportionately affected by the coronavirus and its economic fallout.
George's Inc, Springdale: Company will temporarily raise hourly pay for 7,300 employees as an "appreciation bonus" for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tyson, Springdale: Committing $13 million to support critical needs in local communities in the company’s operations footprint.
JB Hunt / Walmart, NWA: Both companies scheduled one-time bonuses for employees on the front lines of the outbreak.
Click here for more information on COVID-19 resources
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.
