2012 Manufacturing Outlook Arkansas is projected to experience a net gain of 323 manufacturing jobs between the first quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2012. In Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing, a net gain of 798 jobs is anticipated. Durable Goods Manufacturing is still, however estimated to lose jobs with 475 forecast to be cut. The manufacturing industries with the brightest future are Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing, Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing, and Soap, Cleaning Compound, and Toilet Preparation Manufacturing.
Locally, six areas are projected to experience a net gain in manufacturing jobs, evidence of a small upturn in the industry. Southeast Arkansas is expected to add the most with 1,083 new jobs. This area, along with three others, is predicted to have a positive outlook for both Durable Goods Manufacturing and Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing. Northeast Arkansas is estimated to have the most gains in Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing with 544 new jobs, while the City of Little Rock is forecast to have the most gain in Durable Goods Manufacturing with 818 new jobs. Western Arkansas is projected to lose 1,501 jobs, the most in the state, but West Central Arkansas and Southwest Arkansas are anticipating losses in both Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing and Durable Goods Manufacturing.
Net Growth in Manufacturing by Workforce Investment Area
| Area |
Total Manufacturing |
Durable
Goods Manufacturing |
Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing |
| Central |
53 |
202 |
-149 |
| Eastern |
-8 |
-53 |
45 |
| Little Rock |
868 |
818 |
50 |
| North Central |
675 |
412 |
263 |
| Northeast |
282 |
-262 |
544 |
| Northwest |
635 |
488 |
147 |
| Southeast |
1,083 |
712 |
371 |
| Southwest |
-470 |
-351 |
-119 |
| West Central |
-765 |
-208 |
-557 |
| Western |
-1,501 |
-1,687 |
186 |
Note: These projections are based on trends, seasonality, and other economic factors. Business closings and layoffs, as well as expansions and openings that come to light after these projections were finalized, will not be reflected in the numbers. The numbers may not be what actually happens in a particular area. |
