Locked and Loaded: Firearms and Ammunition Industry in Arkansas
Dozens of firearms and ammunition manufacturers have operations in Arkansas, because they know a firearms-friendly state when they see one. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is staunchly pro-Second Amendment, and the state’s legislature routinely passes pro-gun bills — eight were passed in the 2023 legislative session alone. Add to that the state’s pro-business environment, including a 4.8% corporate income tax, manufacturing workforce and affordability, and Arkansas soon becomes a logical location for the firearms industry.
In fact, it’s the third most gun-friendly state in the country, according to Ammo.com, an online purveyor of ammunition. Ranking factors include current gun and purchase laws, reciprocity with other states, sales tax and the governor’s voting history. The National Shooting Sports Foundation, a firearm industry trade association, ranks Arkansas fourth in total industry economic output per capita and fifth in firearm industry jobs per capita. According to the association’s Firearm and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report for 2024, the sector in Arkansas had an economic impact in 2023 of $2.25 billion.
Where Manufacturers Are Expanding
In October, SIG SAUER opened a $150 million expansion at its ammunition manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, a year after the project was announced in October 2023. Between the facility and new equipment, the investment is $225 million. The expansion adds 675 jobs to the roughly 350 already employed at the site. SIG SAUER is a contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense and NATO allies. The company says the Jacksonville Arkansas Ammunition Center adds 210,000 square feet for manufacturing in support of the U.S. Army Next Generation Squad Weapons.
“In just one year, we have built a manufacturing facility that will stand for generations with the mission to provide our soldiers an ammunition technology advantage in lethality and overmatch versus our enemies,” said Ron Cohen, SIG SAUER president and CEO, at the ribbon-cutting event. “This incredible facility gives us the ability to significantly scale manufacturing and grow our output for years to come, and this is only the beginning.”
In January, Walther Manufacturing announced a $30 million expansion at its Fort Smith operation. Company executives had met with Governor Sanders on a European trade mission in the summer of 2023. The expansion, which is expected to create 76 jobs over five years, adds 40,000 square feet to the 185,000 already in place. The company shares its campus with Umarex USA, a maker of airguns, pistols and other firearms.
“Arkansas is proud to be home to Walther U.S. headquarters, both because we love jobs and because we love our Second Amendment,” said the governor at the time. “After meeting with the company during my European trade mission this summer, I’m thrilled they’ve decided to double down on their investment and grow their facility here in the Natural State, helping Fort Smith and the entire River Valley grow.”
“Walther Manufacturing is making a substantial investment in our Fort Smith factory to facilitate the expansion of our research, development and manufacturing of U.S.-produced firearms and accessories,” said Tom Goike, Walther Manufacturing president and CEO, in a statement.
“In just one year, we have built a manufacturing facility that will stand for generations with the mission to provide our soldiers an ammunition technology advantage.
— Ron Cohen, SIG SAUER President and CEO
Fiocchi USA in November 2022 announced a new ammunition primer manufacturing facility in Little Rock that will add 120 jobs to its operation in Arkansas’ capital city. The company makes defensive and hunting ammunition. Why Little Rock?
“Our focus on Little Rock for this major expansion comes from an ideal alignment of several considerations,” said retired Fiocchi of America President and CEO Anthony Acitelli, announcing the new facility. “Aside from our strong ties with the state and local governments, Arkansas has a highly experienced and energetic labor force to call upon. Furthermore, streamlined logistics with other plant operations combined with management and supply chain efficiencies make Little Rock a logical choice. We will also benefit from logistical synergies with our ammo manufacturing industry partners.”
