The Natural State, Naturally Made
"From Bentonville's corporate headquarters to Springdale's distribution centers—discover the businesses powering America's heartland."
Where Logistics Meets Legacy
Arkansas has quietly become the backbone of American commerce. In the Ozark Mountains and Arkansas Delta, a unique ecosystem of innovation has emerged—one that combines down-home values with cutting-edge logistics. From the first Walmart store in Rogers that revolutionized retail, to the distribution networks that deliver everything from groceries to furniture across America, Arkansas companies have mastered the art of getting products where they need to go. These aren't just businesses; they're proof that American ingenuity thrives in unexpected places. Whether it's feeding the nation through Tyson Foods, keeping trucks moving with J.B. Hunt, or fueling up at Murphy USA stations, these Arkansas institutions have woven themselves into the fabric of daily American life. This is manufacturing at scale, Southern style.
Walmart
"World's largest retailer committed to American manufacturing and jobs."
The Founder's Vision
Sam Walton opened the first Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas in 1962 with a simple promise: help people save money so they can live better.
What started as a single store has grown into a global phenomenon, but its Arkansas roots run deep.
The company has invested billions in American manufacturing, working with suppliers across the country to bring jobs back to the U.S.
Today, Walmart sells billions of dollars worth of American-made products, from North Carolina textiles to Pennsylvania furniture.
Their commitment to 'Buy American' isn't just corporate speak—it's a promise to support the workers and communities that make this country great.
Innovation Meets Craftsmanship
Walmart's approach to American manufacturing starts with relationships.
Instead of chasing the lowest price overseas, they work directly with U.S.
suppliers to create products that meet their quality standards at competitive prices.
The company operates massive distribution centers across Arkansas and other states, using advanced logistics to get products from American factories to American homes efficiently.
Their Supply Chain Innovation Centers test new technologies that reduce waste, improve sustainability, and keep manufacturing jobs on American soil.
Every product that moves through their system represents a commitment to keeping the American dream alive.
Tyson Foods
"America's protein powerhouse with deep Arkansas agricultural roots."
The Founder's Vision
John W.
Tyson started his business in 1935 with just a single truck, delivering fresh chicken to customers in Northwest Arkansas.
In the 89 years since, Tyson Foods has grown into the world's second-largest protein producer, but Arkansas remains its heart.
The company employs thousands of Arkansans and works with local farmers to raise billions of chickens, pigs, and cattle annually.
What sets Tyson apart is their vertical integration—they control every step from farm to table, ensuring quality and food safety.
Today, they're investing heavily in sustainable practices, animal welfare, and plant-based alternatives, proving that a company founded in the Arkansas hills can feed the world.
A Commitment to Quality
Tyson's integrated approach means they control every aspect of protein production.
They work with family farmers who follow strict guidelines for animal care and feed quality.
The animals are processed in state-of-the-art facilities across Arkansas, where advanced technology ensures food safety without sacrificing efficiency.
Every facility employs hundreds of Arkansans, from line workers to engineers.
The company has invested billions in automation and robotics, not to replace workers but to make their jobs safer and more efficient.
Tyson also operates research and development centers in Arkansas, constantly innovating to create new products that meet changing consumer demands.
J.B. Hunt Transport
"America's premier transportation and logistics company founded in Arkansas."
The Founder's Vision
Johnnie Bryan Hunt started J.B.
Hunt in 1961 with just five trucks, hauling agricultural commodities across Arkansas and neighboring states.
What began as a simple trucking company grew into a logistics revolution.
Hunt pioneered the concept of intermodal transportation—moving goods by truck, rail, and ship in a seamless supply chain.
Today, J.B.
Hunt operates over 100,000 pieces of equipment and employs thousands of drivers and support staff.
The company has kept its headquarters in Arkansas, a testament to its founder's belief that great companies can grow anywhere.
Their innovations in freight matching, route optimization, and customer service have shaped the entire transportation industry.
Innovation Meets Craftsmanship
J.B.
Hunt's success comes from its integrated approach to logistics.
Their drivers use cutting-edge technology to optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption, and ensure on-time delivery.
The company's 17,000-acre campus in Lowell serves as the nerve center, where dispatchers coordinate thousands of loads daily across North America.
Their investment in automation and AI helps match freight with available capacity, reducing empty miles and improving efficiency.
J.B.
Hunt's proprietary technology platform connects shippers with carriers, creating a more efficient marketplace for freight.
Every innovation keeps American goods moving and supports jobs in communities across the country.
Murphy USA
"Value-focused fuel retailer serving communities across America."
A Family Legacy
Murphy USA has been fueling American journeys since 1996, spun off from the family-owned Murphy Oil Corporation.
Based in El Dorado, Arkansas, the company operates over 1,700 convenience stores across 27 states, primarily in the South and Midwest.
What makes Murphy USA special is their commitment to low prices and community focus.
Unlike some chains that chase premium locations, Murphy USA often builds stores near Walmart locations, making it convenient for families to fill up and shop in one trip.
The company has created thousands of jobs, from store managers to fuel truck drivers, proving that a small-town Arkansas company can compete nationally.
A Commitment to Quality
Murphy USA's model is built on efficiency and value.
Their stores are designed to be convenient, with easy access, well-lit parking, and a focus on the essentials: fuel, snacks, and everyday items.
The company sources its fuel from regional suppliers, ensuring reliable supply while supporting local refineries.
Store operations emphasize speed and service—getting customers in and out quickly.
Murphy USA has invested heavily in technology, from fuel pumps that accept mobile payments to inventory systems that keep shelves stocked.
Every aspect of their operation is designed to pass savings to customers while maintaining quality.
Acxiom
"Data management pioneer powering marketing and technology solutions."
Innovation Born from Necessity
Founded in Conway, Arkansas in 1969, Acxiom has grown from a small data processing company into a global leader in data management and marketing technology.
The company literally wrote the book on database marketing, pioneering techniques that allow businesses to understand and connect with their customers more effectively.
Acxiom's data centers in Arkansas process billions of pieces of information daily, helping brands deliver personalized experiences while respecting privacy.
The company has remained committed to Arkansas, employing thousands of tech professionals in Conway and creating a thriving tech ecosystem in the state.
They've proven that high-tech innovation isn't just for coastal cities.
How It's Made
Acxiom's data infrastructure is among the most sophisticated in the world.
Their Arkansas data centers operate 24/7, processing petabytes of data from countless sources.
The company uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to help businesses make sense of customer data, turning raw information into actionable insights.
Their data scientists and engineers work on everything from identity resolution (matching data across different platforms) to predictive analytics (forecasting customer behavior).
Acxiom takes privacy seriously, building compliance and security into every system.
The company's technology powers marketing campaigns for some of the world's biggest brands.
Walmart Global Tech
"Innovation center developing next-generation retail technology."
Innovation Born from Necessity
Walmart Global Tech represents the company's commitment to staying at the forefront of retail innovation.
Based in Bentonville and tech hubs across America, this division develops the artificial intelligence, robotics, and e-commerce platforms that power the world's largest retailer.
From algorithms that predict what products customers want to drone delivery systems, Walmart's tech team is reimagining how America shops.
The company has invested billions in upgrading its technology infrastructure, building one of the world's most sophisticated retail supply chains.
Their innovations benefit not just Walmart, but the entire retail industry through open-source projects and partnerships.
The Art of Handcrafted Excellence
Walmart Global Tech operates like a Silicon Valley startup within a retail giant.
Their teams use agile development methods to build and deploy technology solutions quickly.
They operate cloud-native infrastructure that can handle millions of transactions per second during peak shopping periods.
Their data science teams develop machine learning models that optimize inventory, predict demand, and personalize shopping experiences.
The company has also pioneered autonomous delivery technology, including self-driving trucks and drone delivery pilots.
Every innovation is tested at scale across Walmart's vast network of stores and distribution centers.