Industrial Directory's 12-Month Report Shows Arkansas Manufacturing Jobs Down 2.8%

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Ratcliff
Manufacturers’ News, Inc.
1633 Central St.
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 864-9440 ext. 241
jratcliff [at] manufacturersnews.com



EVANSTON, IL –Arkansas manufacturing jobs fell 2.8% since August of last year according to the 2008 Arkansas Manufacturers Register, an industrial guide published annually by Manufacturers’ News, Inc. (MNI) Evanston, IL. MNI (http://www.manufacturersnews.com) reports Arkansas lost 6,886 manufacturing jobs, continuing the downward trend the state has seen since 2001.

MNI’s historical data shows Arkansas lost 15% of its manufacturing employment or 41,000 jobs since August 2001, dropping at an average 2.5% per year.

“Nearly a third of Arkansas’ job losses were seen in the industrial machinery and equipment sector—one that is particularly vulnerable to outsourcing and relocation,” said Tom Dubin, President of the Evanston, IL-based publishing company, which has been surveying US industry since 1912. “Also automation and technological advancements in today’s manufacturing require fewer employees.”

Manufacturers’ News reports Arkansas is home to 4,130 manufacturers employing 228,800 workers. MNI surveys both large and small manufacturers, including small start-up companies with just a few employees.

The food industry accounts for nearly a quarter of Arkansas’ industrial jobs, representing 53,729 jobs or 23.5% of the state’s industrial employment. Poultry slaughtering and processing account for 62% of these jobs or 33,156. MNI reports poultry slaughtering/processing jobs remained steady over the year but employment in the food product sector dropped 2.9%.

The fabricated metal sector accounts for the 2nd most jobs in the state at 18,661 jobs or 8.1%, with no significant change reported over the past 12 months. Industrial machinery and equipment is the third largest sector by employment, representing 18,661 jobs or 8.1%, down 10% or 2,025 jobs since August 2006.

Sub-sectors showing the sharpest drop include upholstered furniture, down 863 jobs, hardwood veneer & plywood, down 642 and refrigerators and freezers, down 615.

MNI’s analysis shows Arkansas ranks 32nd in the nation for number of manufacturing plants but 25th for jobs. This may be due to a greater number of large companies operating in the state. MNI data shows 3.2% of Arkansas’ manufacturers employ 250-500 workers, compared to the national average of 2.2%.

Arkansas’ losses reflect those seen by its neighbors with Mississippi manufacturing jobs down 2.5%, Missouri down 3.8% and Tennessee 4% according to other MNI reports.

Northwest Arkansas accounts for the largest share of the state’s manufacturing employment, with 124,264 jobs or 54.3% of the state, up a half percent or 741 jobs from August 2006. Northeast Arkansas accounts for the 2nd most at 42,777 jobs or 18.7%, down 7.2% or 3,308 jobs. Southwest Arkansas is down 5.4% over the year and accounts for 40,858 jobs or 17.9% of the state while Southeast Arkansas represents 9.1% of the state’s employment, or 20,901 jobs, and is down 8.6% over the past 12 months.

Fort Smith is home to the most industrial jobs, accounting for 8.4% of Arkansas’ manufacturing employment or 19,318 jobs, down 5.4% over the year, and is home to 240 plants. Little Rock is home to another 310 companies employing 13,638 workers. MNI reports Little Rock jobs are down 4% while 3rd ranked Springdale has seen an 8.5% increase in industrial employment. Springdale accounts for 134 manufacturers employing 12,138. Pine Bluff ranks 4th with 74 companies and 7,803 jobs while 5th-ranked Jonesboro represents 130 plants employing 7,206.

Detailed profiles of Arkansas’ 4,130 manufacturers and 227 industrial distributors can be found in the 2008 Arkansas Manufacturers Register, available in print for $93 and on CD-ROM from $137. Each profile provides up to 30 facts, including vital contact information (phone, web, e-mail), names and titles of 12,439 key executives, product(s) manufactured, annual sales, number of employees, and more. Visitors to http://www.mnileads.com may generate custom company selections using thirteen different criteria, including area or zip code, county, SIC, sales volume, number of employees, and more.

Manufacturers’ News, Inc., publisher of manufacturers’ directories since 1912, compiles and produces manufacturing guides, statistics and databases for all 50 states. For more information, contact Manufacturers’ News, Inc., 1633 Central St., Evanston, IL, 60201, 847-864-7000, FAX 847-332-1100.