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.
The Aerospace & Defense industry is a significant part of Arkansas’ economy. As such, these sectors attract many major companies that continue to invest and grow operations here. Key industry players, including Dassault Falcon Jet and Lockheed Martin, call Arkansas home. There are nearly 10,000 employees at approximately 220 aerospace and defense operations throughout the state.
Along with business success, these companies have found staunch support from our strong workforce, industry associations, and state government. And, with growth projected for the industry well into the foreseeable future, Arkansas is well-positioned to secure our foothold in the global market.
Arkansas has a trained and skilled workforce in both the defense and aviation industries. Arkansas is positioned as a leader in aerospace education, with five military installations and 33 aviation-related education programs throughout the state.
The Aerospace & Defense Industry report provides an in-depth analysis of the history and success of the Aerospace & Defense industry in Arkansas. Topics covered include:
Keep up with the latest news in the industry by subscribing to our quarterly newsletter, the Aerospace and Defense Beacon, or by downloading the Aerospace and Defense report.
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