Firearms and ammunition companies are finding success in Arkansas. Download our fact sheet to learn more about the advantage of doing business in Arkansas!
It starts with a pro-Second Amendment environment and a governor who fully supports growth in the industry. Gov. Hutchinson has made a point to attend the SHOT Show for the last two years and was the only governor, besides Nevada's, to attend the conference last year. At a time when many states are pushing away firearms manufacturers, Arkansas is waiting with open arms.
Under the leadership of Governor Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas has taken steps to remove many bureaucratic burdens that hinder start-up, relocation and expansion processes. Arkansas Economic Development Commission has established a “single point of contact” system to help prospects do business with ease. AEDC’s Business Development Team stays up-to-date on incentives for job creation, research and development, investment and more.
Arkansas has the second highest percentage of manufacturing employment in the South and the 6th highest in the nation.
At last year's SHOT Show, industry leaders Remington Outdoor Company and SIG SAUER both made announcements of expansions in their ammunition plants and, with the creation of over 370 jobs in firearm manufacturing in the last four years, Arkansas is leading the way in the industry.
The state of Arkansas’ economy is strong. Arkansas led the nation in GDP growth in the first quarter of 2016 at 3.9% and has seen one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state’s history this year at 3.8%. And with a budget surplus of $177 million at the end of 2015, Arkansas is one of the most financially sound states in the country.
