White River Energetics to add 100 jobs as part of $70 million expansion

White River Energetics plans to spend $70 million to expand its ammunition primer plant in Des Arc and add 100 jobs. The work should be complete in the first quarter of 2025, according to the company’s Friday (Sept. 6) announcement.

According to a statement sent by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the company will spend $10 million to expand its existing 14,000-square-foot plant and will spend $60 million to build a new “single base smokeless propellant factory.” White River Energetics now has 125 employees at the Des Arc facility located in Prairie County in northeast Arkansas, and has added 73 workers in the past year.

The company produces and distributes primers for small-caliber ammunition to domestic and international companies in the defense and sporting industries.

“This smokeless propellant factory will enable us to supply propellant to the global shortage that is affecting munitions availability,” said Dan Powers, president and CEO of D&M Holding Company, Inc. “We are proud to have chosen Des Arc for this investment and look forward to adding the additional jobs for the community.”

“I’m proud of the 100 new jobs and the $70 million investment we are announcing in a small town in Arkansas that I know will have a big impact,” said Gov. Sarah Sanders.

Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, said White River’s expansion is a welcome development in rural Arkansas.

“This project hits the sweet spot in Arkansas: the growth of the firearms and ammunition industry led by innovative entrepreneurs, which is resulting new jobs and investment in a rural community,” he said.