CZ-USA has had offices and a distribution operation in Kansas City for years. Yesterday they announced that they’ll build a new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Little Rock Arkansas, in vesting $90 million and creating almost 600 jobs.
From Arkansas Money and Politics . . .
During a press conference today at the state Capitol, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) Executive Director Mike Preston unveiled the Czech company’s plans to build its North American manufacturing base and to hire 565 people in Little Rock.
CZ-USA, which is a subsidiary company of Czech firearms manufacturer Česká zbrojovka a.s. Uherský Brod , is planning to build its manufacturing facility on 73 acres at the port. Hiring will take place in two phases, spread over six years. Wages for the new jobs are expected to start at $22 per hour.
According to Hutchinson, construction on the facility is set to begin immediately, and the facility is projected to be active by March 2020.
Here’s CZ’s press release . . .
LITTLE ROCK, AR) – CZ-USA, the U.S.-based affiliate of Czech firearms manufacturer Česká zbrojovka a.s. Uherský Brod (CZUB), announced today plans to locate their North American Headquarters and build a new manufacturing facility on approximately 73 acres at the Port of Little Rock. CZ-USA plans to implement a two-phase approach with an investment of up to $90 million and create some 565 jobs over a six-year period. CZ products are considered some of the highest-quality firearms in defense, competition and sport shooting around the world.
“As CZ looked to increase our presence in North America, it engaged in a multi-state search for the ideal location,” said Bogdan Heczko, CZ-USA chairman of the board. “The Arkansas workforce, culture, business climate and industry support cleared the way for us to choose Little Rock as our new home.”
In 2018, the Czech Republic imported some $2.6 million in commodities into Arkansas, and Arkansas exports to the country totaled roughly $8.2 million.Nearly 160 foreign-owned companies have some 300 operations in the state; however, CZ-USA is the first Czech company to have a presence in Arkansas.
“We are honored to have a world-renowned brand such as CZ call Arkansas home,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “The location in the growing Port of Little Rock, combined with the high-paying jobs created by the company, will improve the quality of life for all Arkansans.”
Construction will begin immediately, with initial start-up planned for March 2020. Production at the Little Rock facility will commence in two, three-year phases.
“Little Rock is open for business, and we could not be more thrilled to have CZ-USA at the Port of Little Rock,” said Mayor Frank Scott Jr. “This is the largest jobs announcement in Little Rock in more than a decade. Improving Little Rock’s infrastructure is a top priority for me, which will ultimately lead to creating more good-paying jobs, of which this is a prime example.”
Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde said, “This is a huge victory for Pulaski County and the region. The City of Little Rock has been working to expand the Port for a number of years, and I’m glad to see the fruits of that labor. Through a partnership with the City of Little Rock, the County is developing the infrastructure to accommodate the new development within the expanded Little Rock Port.”
CZ-USA is currently seeking qualified applicants at www.littlerockchamber.com/cz. Interested applicants may submit their contact information to CZ-USA to stay informed as new job opportunities become available. Additional questions regarding hiring can be emailed to CZ-USA at careers@cz-usa.com. Other project inquiries should be directed to general@cz-usa.com.