Aerospace and aviation represents Arkansas’ #1 export, and we are home to nearly 150 well-known aerospace and defense companies that include MRO, component parts, completion centers, and defense contractors as well as the Little Rock Air Force Base. The state is also home to the Highland Industrial Park, one of the nation’s fastest growing defense corridors, with companies like Aerojet Rocketdyne, Esterline, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.

AgTech & Forestry

Arkansas is at the heart of this timber-rich area of the country, due to much of the state being covered by 19 million acres of forestland, or more than half of the total area of the state. This is having a huge impact on the state’s economy, timber and forest products companies from around the world, and the lives of the many families living in the area who are seeing an increase in jobs created by those companies.

Firearms & Ammunition

Arkansas keeps the firearms and ammunition industry in its sights. From manufacturers to businesses involved in sales and distribution, the Arkansas firearms and ammunition industry is diverse. Companies that call Arkansas home include SIG SAUER, Remington, Daisy, Walther, Nighthawk Custom, Thermold Magazines, Umarex, and Wilson Combat. As a pro-second amendment state, Arkansas welcomes firearms and ammunition companies looking to start-up, expand, or relocate.

Information Technology

When it comes to economic development in the technology sector, Arkansas is rising. With the second-lowest cost of living in the country and business incentives for technology-based organizations, the state is attracting companies from around the world and bringing in a skilled workforce to fill high-tech jobs in cybersecurity, fintech, retail, supply chain and more.

Logistics & Distribution

With a central location and comprehensive transportation infrastructure, it’s not surprising that Arkansas has a growing distribution and logistics services sector. Arkansas is home to more than 6,800 transportation, logistics, and distribution companies. Additionally, Arkansas is home to Fortune 500 company J.B. Hunt Transportation Services.

Metals

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.

Professional Services

Home to corporate leaders in retail, transportation, food processing and oil, our economy is as diverse as our workforce. Arkansas offers great assets to companies looking to establish or relocate a headquarters operation.

• 10,000+ employees in Aerospace and Defense manufacturing; 3,000+ directly engaged in aerospace products and parts manufacturing 
• The Little Rock Air Force Base has 7,000+ personnel, including civilians, active duty, and Army Reserve Force
• Since 2010, 10,000+ aerospace and defense jobs have been created in Arkansas.