After Meeting with Governor Sanders During Her European Trade Mission, Walther Announces $30M Expansion in Fort Smith, Arkansas
January 18, 202476 New Jobs Expected
FORT SMITH, Ark. (January 18, 2024) – Following the company’s meeting with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders during her European trade mission this summer, Walther Manufacturing is expanding its presence in Fort Smith, Arkansas, creating an expected 76 new jobs over the next five years. The expansion represents a capital investment of up to $30 million in the region.
"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.
Currently, Umarex USA/Walther occupies 185,000 square feet in their facility. The expansion adds over 40,000 square feet to the existing operation, encompassing industry-leading design engineering, product management and manufacturing capabilities. The expansion is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024.
“Arkansas is proud to be home to Walther U.S. headquarters, both because we love jobs and because we love our Second Amendment. 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,” said Governor Sanders.
“Walther is a world-renowned firearms company, and they have been a great corporate partner in Arkansas for the past decade,” said Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We are excited to see the company grow in the Natural State, and we look forward to their continued success.”
Walther established its operations in Arkansas in 2012, making Fort Smith its U.S. headquarters. Walther Manufacturing is the fabrication entity which manufactures all U.S. based products for the companies Walther and Umarex USA, utilizing a unique blend of advanced precision technology and authentic human craftsmanship. All three companies share a campus in Fort Smith.
“My connection to Umarex and Walther goes back many years. They are a key fixture in the high-tech manufacturing fabric of the Fort Smith Region and a partner who shares our goal of growing and recruiting a talented workforce,” said Tim Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. “It was a pleasure to work with the leadership at Walther again to secure this project in Fort Smith. We welcome Walther’s expansion as they further solidify their place in our community and allow it to meet the demand of its military, law enforcement and consumer markets.”
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About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. For more information, visit ArkansasEDC.com.
