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Fort Smith Manufacturing

Fort Smith is the manufacturing hub of Arkansas, with more goods produced in the Greater Fort Smith Region than anywhere else in the state. National and international companies such as Weyerhauser, Gerber Products Co., Whirlpool Corporation, Planters Peanuts and Rheem Air Conditioning Products have facilities in Fort Smith and employ thousands of area workers to generate wood and paper products, food products, air conditioning system components and appliances. Fort Smith manufactures everything from bourbon to baby food.

Manufacturing is the heart and soul of Fort Smith, with almost 30,000 residents employed in the manufacturing field.

In fact, some of the city’s largest employers are manufacturing companies including Rheem Air Conditioning Products with 1,592 employees and Gerber Products with 600 employees. Of the 300,000 residents in the Greater Fort Smith Region, 22 percent work for a manufacturing company compared to only 13 percent in the national sector.

Manufacturing has long been attracted to the area because of the region’s proximity to the Arkansas River and other major transportation intersections including I-40 and major railways. The manufacturing segment can easily find abundant utilities and a skilled work force. Today, Fort Smith remains a gateway to and from the West as a mecca for manufacturing businesses to call home. Business is booming in Fort Smith, with major manufacturing companies locating corporate headquarters and service centers in the area.