Arkansas has an abundance of resources to help food processing companies succeed. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission works directly with food processing companies looking to start-up, expand or relocate. In addition, we assist companies with finding the best incentives so companies are able to make money quickly and efficiently.
There were 522 food and beverage companies in Arkansas at the end of 2022. These companies employed 55,130 people. Arkansas is home to Tyson Foods and numerous other food processing facilities, including Nestle, JBS USA, Kraft Heinz, Mars Inc., Cargill Inc., Hormel Foods Corp, Riceland Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride, ConAgra Brands Inc., Land O’ Frost and Frito-Lay, Inc.
Arkansas has the 5th largest percentage of food processing workers in the United States. The growth rate of the food and beverage industry from 2017 to 2022 was 6 percent in Arkansas.
The food processing industry is booming in Arkansas and continues to grow exponentially. Eight of the top 10 food and beverage companies by revenue in the world have manufacturing facilities in the state.
Arkansas is meeting the workforce needs for food processing companies. The state now has the second-largest number of food processing workers in the US and Arkansas has responded to industry growth by modernizing the workforce.
While the aerospace industry includes some of the world’s largest corporations, there are many, smaller businesses that support the large players with specialized products. Galley Support Innovations (GSI) is a thriving manufacturer and supplier of highly specialized locks, latches, door bolting systems, faucets, sinks, chairs, food storage compartments and many other components for clients that include Dassault Falcon, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Gulfstream.
Gina Radke and her husband, Wade, were living in Florida when they decided they were ready to start their own business. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect as Wade’s Uncle was interested in moving away from the business the family started in the 1950s. Thinking it a horrible idea at first, the Radkes came around and eventually bought the rights to the products and equipment originally owned by Wade’s grandfather. The result was Galley Support Innovations, today’s leading designer and manufacturer of interior hardware for aircraft.
GSI has grown from a husband-and-wife team to 42 employees producing just under $5 million in annual sales. This is the story of how they made that journey, and why growing their business in Arkansas has been one of their many great business decisions.
