Forging Ahead in Arkansas
In Arkansas, the metals industry employs over 22,000 individuals and accounts for 13.6% of total manufacturing. Located in the Northeast corner of Arkansas, Mississippi County boasts the second-largest capacity for steel production in the nation





AEDC's mission is to create economic opportunity by attracting higher paying jobs, expanding and diversifying our state and local economies, increasing incomes and investment, and generating positive growth throughout Arkansas. Here are some examples of businesses that are thriving!
View All




Quick Facts:
22,379 | Employed by the industry | |
620 | Metals establishments in Arkansas | |
$683M+ | Worth of goods exported in 2019 |
“We’ve been impressed from the first day we set foot in this state, just considering building another scrap recycling and steel mill. Arkansas was a good home for that. They had the river system, railroad system, highway system, and electrical grid system. What they had then, they have today — only in spades.”
David Stickler
CEO, Big River Steel
“This is the place that it needs to happen. People want to come to this area. Companies want to come down here. Why? In large part due to the things we do right here at this steel mill [in Hickman].”Ladd Hall
Executive Vice President, Nucor
“People have heard me refer to this as steel mill heaven. And the reason we are here is really because of the work ethic of Arkansans.”
John Correnti
Former CEO, Big River Steel
“The strength and commitment of the state of Arkansas and our local teammates has given us the opportunity to make the next investment in the future of tube production for the entire country.”Barry Zekelman
CEO, Atlas Tube
From the Newsroom
Hybar Begins Construction on Steel Rebar Mill in Northeast Arkansas, to Create 200 High-Paying Jobs
Hybar is building a technologically advanced scrap metal recycling steel rebar mill in Nor...
ReadThe Federal Metal Company Chooses North Little Rock for New Manufacturing Facility
The Federal Metal Company is investing $17.8 million in its new North Little Rock facility...
ReadGränges Breaks Ground on Battery Cathode Foil Expansion in Newport, Arkansas
Granges is investing in battery cathode foil production and will be creating 43 new jobs i...
ReadFrom the Blog
Arkansas Company Drives Advancements in Manufacturing Technology
Big River Steel in Osceola, AR, is putting artificial intelligence to great use to improve...
ReadMississippi County, Arkansas, is Primed for Steel
Mississippi County is the fourth-largest steel-producing county in the United States, and ...
ReadHow Arkansas Became a Leader in the Steel Industry
Since the land was first discovered, the fertile soil of the Arkansas Delta has produced c...
Read