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.
Watch MoreFrom the newsroom
LaCroix Precision Optics Expands in Batesville, Arkansas, Creating 107 New Jobs
LaCroix Precision Optics is expanding in Batesville, Arkansas, creating 107 new jobs.
ReadWhite River Energetics Expands in Des Arc, Creates 100 New Jobs
White River Energetics is expanding in Des Arc, creating 100 new jobs.
ReadAfter Meeting with Governor Sanders During Her European Trade Mission, Walther Announces $30M Expansion in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Walther is expanding in Fort Smith, Arkansas with a capital investment of up to $30 millio...
Readfrom the blog
The Arkansas Economic Development Guide
January 13, 2021Are you looking for a one-stop-shop to learning everything you need to know about the current status of economic development in Arkansas? Or perhaps you’re someone who is proud to promote our state as an outstanding destination for business success and are looking for a marketing piece that highlights the state and the executives who have found success here. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission is excited to announce the launch of our latest publication, The Arkansas Economic Development Guide, in partnership with Site Selection Magazine.
The guide includes an up-to-date statistical profile on Arkansas, including our Top 20 projects of 2020, and high points of the state’s business climate, infrastructure, education, and workforce. You will find interviews with Governor Hutchinson, Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston, and other AEDC leaders, as well as articles on our nine key industries, broadband infrastructure, and regional profiles of the state. In addition, we have included an article on some of our most popular tourism destinations, along with multiple photos that capture the beauty of The Natural State.
The guide has been designed to be beneficial to a broad variety of readers. Whether you are an executive, a site selection consultant, an economic development professional, a community leader, or just someone interested in learning more about economic development in Arkansas – there is something in our guide for you.
What's Inside:
Esperanza Massana, the AEDC Director of Marketing, took the lead on this project throughout its production. She explained:
“This is the second time we have had the opportunity to work with Site Selection Magazine in publishing the Arkansas Economic Development Guide. It is a very elaborate and involved process because we are incredibly thoughtful and intentional on the overall content and look of the guide. The guide is undoubtedly a team effort from AEDC, and a great collaboration with communities and partners that made this guide possible. A sincere thank you to all of them. As a result, we can all be very proud to have an excellent marketing piece that tells the story of economic development in Arkansas.”
The guide is now available at no cost to anyone who would like to download a digital copy or would like a printed version mailed to them. You can request your copy by clicking here.
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.
