Manufacturing Base Grows in Arkansas

The economic rebound has been slow in Arkansas, says John Shelnutt, senior research economist and head of research at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Institute for Economic Advancement. Among signs of recovery are noticeable surges in trucking and transportation jobs, he says. Shelnutt believes the growing influence of food processing in the state's manufacturing base has helped mitigate declines in other areas. (See "It's a Natural Thing," p. 530, Site Selection, July 2002.)
        In June, Raytheon Aircraft announced an expansion of its Little Rock operations, which will add 350 jobs over the next five years. The company will build a new hangar and associated workspace at Adams Field in Little Rock to support completion work on its Hawker Horizon business jets. When fully ramped up, Raytheon will make 36 of the super mid-size jets annually.
        Scholastic, the global children's publishing and media company, acquired a 500,000 square-foot (46,450 sq. m) warehouse facility in the Little Rock suburb of Maumelle. The facility will serve as the company's packaging and fulfillment center for its Scholastics at Home continuities business.
        "Bringing the various Scholastic at Home continuity businesses to one location allows us to streamline our operation," said Steve Tait, senior vice president, Scholastic Global Field Operations. "Arkansas offers access to an eager and skilled work force, a central shipping location and a supporting community."
        GC Services of Houston opened an office in Little Rock to provide account receivable management services and will eventually employ 400. "Having access to an enthusiastic and educated work force is of critical importance in our site selection process," said Frank Taylor, president and COO of GC Services.