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Little Rock: Big on the Automotive Business
The Metro Little Rock region is ideally positioned to provide sites for Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers.
In the heart of the mid-South, where the delta meets the mountains, lies the Metro Little Rock region, home to a diverse economy, stable growth, high site selector rankings—and a strong determination to provide automotive suppliers the support they need to succeed.
Metro Little Rock’s central location, good infrastructure, and proximity to auto assemblers in the burgeoning southern U.S. auto corridor make it a perfect location for Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. The region’s friendly business environment, entrepreneurial spirit, and attractive incentives have drawn automotive-related companies such as Cooper Tire, Denso, Nucor Steel, Systex, and Tokusen.
Companies’ logistical needs are supported by excellent regional and county infrastructure, helping businesses be more competitive in the global marketplace. The area is strategically located at the intersection of I-30 and I-40 and is served by Union Pacific and BNSF rail lines as well as the Port of Little Rock. This transportation infrastructure provides easy access to assembly plants and supports just-in-time manufacturing processes.
Low cost of operation is another reason auto suppliers can increase their competitiveness by choosing the Little Rock area. Abundant and accessible electricity, natural gas, and water mean utilities are inexpensive, as are land and construction. Likewise, payroll costs are no burden to businesses in Little Rock, where the cost of living is low. The region offers significant outsourcing experience and opportunities, and cost structures are easily controlled. And of course, Arkansas is a right-to-work state.
What’s more, the Metro Little Rock region is committed to offering exceptional incentive packages to companies joining its auto cluster. Low property tax rates, workforce training programs and credits, infrastructure assistance, and other incentives are some of the many ways the Little Rock area encourages the success and expansion of local businesses.
The vitality of the region’s economy is due in large part to its productive and well-trained labor force. A variety of workforce education programs are offered by the state as well as local colleges and technical education institutes. These include Arkansas’ Business and Industry Training Program, which provides customized pre-employment and on-the-job training as well as recruitment services for businesses. Pulaski Technical College, Arkansas' largest two-year community college, also delivers high-quality programs and services geared to the needs of the central Arkansas business community. The college’s more than 40 associate degree and certificate programs include business, information technology, manufacturing, and industrial and automotive technology.
When it comes to area research strengths, look no further than the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s CyberCollege. This facility gives students, faculty, and industry partners access to one of the nation's most high-tech engineering laboratories—the remarkable Virtual Reality Center. This total-immersion experience lets researchers explore three-dimensional, life-size images related to all fields of science and engineering. It's a new way of using advanced technology to solve complex problems in a variety of fields, including mechanical engineering.
And finally, don’t forget that the quality of life in this business-friendly, strategically located region is outstanding, with a beautiful natural environment, a moderate climate, a plethora of recreation opportunities, and plentiful, affordable residential options.
For more information on how choosing a Metro Little Rock location can benefit your automotive company, contact Jay Chesshir at 501.377.6002 or jchesshir@littlerockchamber.com.
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