Moving People and Products

All roads lead to Chaffee Crossing, distinctly situated at the center of the U.S. transportation grid. The region is recognized as a hub for moving anything and everything by truck, railcar, airplane and barge. An Intergovernmental Authority monitors existing infrastructure and oversees planning and development for new shipping locations and methods. Chaffee Crossing executives and regional railroad officials have opened discussions about the location of a $7 million railroad connection that would serve manufacturers in the industrial district. A regional port that would serve Chaffee Crossing and other businesses in the region is also under consideration.

The earth is being turned over on many corners in the industrial district at Chaffee Crossing. Four thousand acres of land stand shovel-ready for new businesses. Currently, 64 tenants occupy existing structures located throughout the development. A recently adopted land-use plan is structured but allows for flexibility in zoning.

Area educators are seeking to build schools and training facilities nearby. The combination of education and industry in this district will also create an even stronger workforce.

• #1 Manufacturing Hub in Arkansas
- Fort Smith has exceptional, well-established supply chains
- Highly skilled, cross-trained workforce
- “Right to Work” state

• Windmill tax exemption will take effect in 2009

• Attractive land costs in new, proactive industrial district
- Shovel-ready tracts
- Flexible, industrial-friendly zoning
- Great local and state incentives

• LOW costs of:
- Doing business
- Labor
- Conventional energy

• Outstanding quality of life – Arkansas is” The Natural State”

Graphics Packaging
The first manufacturer to stake a claim at Chaffee Crossing was Graphic Packaging International, a recognized innovator in package manufacturing. The Fort Smith division is a 326K sf sheet-fed operation which employs 370 workers. Visit site here.

Mars Petcare
Mars Petcare is now occupying a new 250,000 sf facility which will create 250 jobs. Product testing began in July 2009 and ramped up to full production 60 days later. Mars Petcare is the only manufacturing company in Arkansas to attain the prestigious Gold LEEDS Certification and the only pet food manufacturing facility in the world to achieve Gold LEEDS Certification. Visit site here.

LEEDS Certification - Visit site here.

Umarex USA
Umarex USA has begun construction on a 100,000 square foot facility on Chad Colley Blvd. The air rifle manufacturer will expand its current work force to 60 jobs upon completion of the plant. Umarex USA also plans to manufacture Walther handguns.Visit site here.

PRADCO Outdoor Brands
PRADCO Outdoor Brands, a division of EBSCO Corporation, will break ground in June 2010 for a new manufacturing plant and a corporate lodge along the shores of Stick Lake providing employment for 225 people. The company plans to bring customers and vendors to the lodge and provide guided fishing trips in the region.Visit site here.

Five River Distribution
As operator of the Port of Fort Smith, Five Rivers Distribution also serves as a knowledgeable resource for the Intergovernmental Authority which monitors existing infrastructure and oversees planning and development for new shipping locations and methods. Discussions are currently underway regarding the potential development of a regional port that would serve Chaffee Crossing and businesses in the region, making this relationship very critical. Visit site here.

Mitsubishi Power Systems America
Mitsubishi Power Systems America is planning to invest $100 million in a 200,000 square foot facility beginning in 2011. The Japanese wind turbine facility will create 400 new technical jobs. The direct and indirect investment of the operation is expected to be significant once Mitsubishi begins construction. Visit site here.

Wind Energy Info
The wide open spaces at Chaffee Crossing are prime for natural energy production. Click on the link below to view a flyer recently distributed at an international wind energy conference.Wind Flyer - PDF

For further information about property available for sale, you may contact our listing agents.

R.H. Ghan - http://www.rhghan.com

Nunnelee Properties - http://www.nunnelee.com