AR: Magazine Manufacturer to Relocate U.S. HQ to Fort Smith, Hire 65

Thermold Magazines, a manufacturer of a variety of magazines for firearms and weapons products, announced its U.S. headquarters will relocate to Fort Smith, Arkansas from North Carolina. The company will be housed in the River Bend Industries building where River Bend will manufacture magazines for Thermold, and Thermold will assume assembly and distribution at the location. Combined, the two companies will add 65 new jobs and invest more than $7 million.

"The entire Thermold team is excited to establish our North American headquarters in Fort Smith,” said Sylvan Bednar, President of Thermold Magazines.“Governor Beebe, the AEDC, and the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce have worked tirelessly to make this happen and we appreciate all of their combined efforts.  Thermold Magazines is committed to helping get people back to work and being a positive influence within this great community."

“The Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce and AEDC put together a strategy to bring new jobs and investment to Fort Smith,” said Ron Embree, CEO of River Bend Industries. “It is a business plan that is truly win-win-win.  The State and City get an additional business, Thermold gets an outstanding new home in Fort Smith Arkansas and River Bend gets the opportunity to secure its manufacturing in Fort Smith.  It’s an amazing “outside of the box” solution for everyone.”

Thermold Magazines began in the 1960s as a molded plastics injection manufacturer serving the automotive industry. The company later began producing weapons magazines using a nylon resin known as Zytel that resisted heat and corrosion while functioning with high reliability. Today, the company produces magazines for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and sport shooters worldwide.

“This announcement does more than bring jobs to Fort Smith, it brings another center of activity to Northwest Arkansas,” Governor Mike Beebe said. “While Thermold Magazines and River Bend Industries will work together here to strengthen manufacturing processes and products, Thermold’s decision to also move its U.S. headquarters to Fort Smith shows the stability and manufacturing strength of this region.”

River Bend Industries is one of the largest custom molders of thermoplastics and engineering resins in the Midwest and Southern U.S. The company has three facilities in two states housing 108 molding machines in 444,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

“The decision by Thermold Magazines to locate its corporate headquarters and assembly operation to Fort Smith is exciting news for this community.” said Tim Allen, President of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to Fort Smith gaining a new corporate headquarters, River Bend Industries will expand its operation and put more people back to work. Manufacturing in Fort Smith is still very strong and it’s the Chamber’s commitment to bring quality jobs back to this region.”

Mayor Sandy Sanders added, “The relocation of Thermold Magazines and its relationship with River Bend Industries illustrates how Fort Smith continues to provide opportunity for both new and existing industries. The $7 million investment and addition of 65 new jobs is welcome news for our economy and demonstrates that local economic development efforts continue to be a high priority.”

Those interested in employment opportunities with the companies can contact: (Thermold Magazines: Jobs.thermold@yahoo.com) or (River Bend Industries Kim Condry 479 646-3473 ext. 422)

For more information on Thermold Magazines, visit www.thermoldmagazines.com.

For more information on River Bend Industries, visit www.riverbendindustries.com.