Little Rock's growth as a city started off relatively slowly. Forty years after the land was incorporated in to what is now known as Little Rock, there were still only about 3,700 people residing in the area. While many other cities in the country gained popularity and residents from one particular manufacturing industry, like being a leader in logging or making copper lugs, Little Rock did not start to grow until after the Civil War, and by 1870 had a population of over 12,000 people.
Infrastructure came to the city and soon they were equipped with electric lights, a public water system and telephones. Along with this came more than 140 businesses to the area by the beginning of the 20th century. These ranged from law firms to transportation companies that worked with an early version of a debander. Skyscrapers started to emerge and there was only growth until the beginning of the Depression.
The economy of Little Rock has always been dependant on the transportation options to and from the city. This land was founded when settlers discovered it when coming down the Arkansas River and then grew with the addition of several rail lines. In 1969, a series of locks and dams were opened along the river that allowed for additional commerce in Little Rock. Manufacturing was a tough business in the area in the beginning. A company making, for example, Y strainers would not want the extra trouble of getting their products out of the city efficiently.
Thanks to the city being the home of former president Bill Clinton, there has been international attention on the area since the early 1990s. Some major corporations that now have their headquarters in the city are Dillard's Department Stores, Acxiom and Alltel. Dassault Falcon Jet and Raytheon Aircraft Company are also located in Little Rock. There are also a number of manufacturers who have branches in the city, including the Danish company LM Glasfiber and companies that make everything from paper products to industrial insulation.
Many of the manufacturing firms in the city are running smaller operations employing fewer than one thousand employees. During the 1950s and 1960s the Arkansas Industrial Development Corp made a huge effort to bring these types of businesses to the city and this was when many of them arrived. Now, biotechnology, aviation and agriculture are the largest markets. If you're experience is in electronic contract manufacturing there may be a place for you in Little Rock, but you will likely have to do a little more searching to find the perfect fit.
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