Firearms firm adding 65 jobs to Fort Smith

Thermold Magazines plans $7 million investment

A manufacturer of magazines for firearms and weapons will relocate its U.S. headquarters to Fort Smith, investing more than $7 million and adding 65 jobs there, officials said Tuesday.

Thermold Magazines will move from North Carolina to Arkansas, where River Bend Industries will make the magazines for Thermold and Thermold will assemble and distribute them, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission said.

The new jobs will be split between the two companies.

Gov. Mike Beebe was expected to help announce the relocation at a news conference in Fort Smith on Tuesday morning.

“This announcement does more than bring jobs to Fort Smith, it brings another center of activity to Northwest Arkansas,” Beebe said in a statement. “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.”

Sylvan Bednar, president of Thermold Magazines, said the company is "committed to helping get people back to work and being a positive influence within this great community."

Thermold originally made molded plastics injection products for the automotive industry when it was started in the 1960s and now produces magazines for military personnel, law enforcement officers and sport shooters, the commission said.

Prospective employees can contact Thermold by emailing Jobs.thermold@yahoo.com or by calling Kim Condry with River Bend Industries at (479) 646-3473 ext. 422.

For more on this story, see Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Upcoming Events