Black River Technical College (BRTC), in coordination with Northeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority (NEA Intermodal), marked Manufacturing Week by visiting manufacturers across the college’s and Intermodal’s service counties as a way to thank them for partnership.
Representatives from BRTC and NEA Intermodal Executive Director Graycen Bigger stopped by over 30 manufacturing businesses in Clay, Lawrence, Randolph, and Sharp counties to recognize the role these employers play in the region’s economy. These visits were a chance to show appreciation to the local employers who keep production running and provide jobs for local families.
The visits were also a reminder to employers that support is available to them. Manufacturers that need help, whether with workforce training, hiring, or other needs, can reach out to BRTC or NEA Intermodal.
Manufacturing’s impact on the region is significant and growing. Randolph, Lawrence and Clay counties added 541 manufacturing jobs since 2025, approximately 25% growth.
Manufacturing employment concentration is also a regional strength. A concentration of 1.0 equals the national average; anything above 1.0 indicates a greater share of employment in manufacturing. Randolph’s concentration is 3.53.
Across BRTC’s four-county service area, average annual earnings per manufacturing job is $69,141. Manufacturing generated approximately $760.4 million in gross regional product in 2025.
BRTC is committed to supporting the region’s manufacturing employers and to partnering with them on new programs that prepare students for in-demand careers, including engineering technology, robotics, and aerospace. By working alongside industry, the college aims to build a skilled workforce that meets employers’ needs today and positions the region for continued growth.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Manufacturing Week is a time to highlight the “manufacturing sector’s vital role and significant contribution to the nation’s economy.” The week-long celebration stems from Manufacturing Day, which celebrates modern manufacturing and encourages interest in the manufacturing field.
For more information about BRTC’s Workforce Training program, visit BRTC's Workforce Training page.
