2013 Manufacturing Outlook Arkansas is projected to experience a net loss of 1,694 manufacturing jobs between the first quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2013. In Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing, a net loss of 541 jobs is anticipated. Durable Goods Manufacturing is estimated to lose 1,153 jobs. The manufacturing industries with the brightest future are Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing, Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial Synthetric Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing, Other Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing, and Soap, Cleaning Compound, and Toilet Preparation Manufacturing.
Locally, five areas are projected to experience a net gain in manufacturing jobs, evidence of a small upturn in the industry. North Central Arkansas is expected to add the most with 503 new jobs. This area, along with Little Rock, is predicted to have a positive outlook for both Durable Goods Manufacturing and Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing. Southeast Arkansas is estimated to have the most gains in Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing with 234 new jobs, while North Central Arkansas is forecast to have the most gains in Durable Goods Manufacturing with 468 new jobs. Western Arkansas is projected to lose 1,490 jobs, the most in the state, but West Central Arkansas is anticipating net 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 |
256 |
268 |
-12 |
| Eastern |
-92 |
-128 |
36 |
| Little Rock |
414 |
413 |
1 |
| North Central |
503 |
468 |
35 |
| Northeast |
137 |
230 |
-93 |
| Northwest |
46 |
161 |
-115 |
| Southeast |
-146 |
-380 |
234 |
| Southwest |
-199 |
77 |
-276 |
| West Central |
-1,124 |
-598 |
-526 |
| Western |
-1,490 |
-1,666 |
176 |
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. |
