DES ARC, Ark. — White River Energetics (WRE), an ammunition primer and energetics manufacturer, announced the expansion of its facility in Des Arc, creating 100 new jobs for Arkansans.
The company plans to invest $10 million to expand the existing facility and $60 million to build a single-base smokeless propellant factory.
“This smokeless propellant factory will enable us to supply propellant to the global shortage that is affecting munitions availability,” said Dan Powers, President & 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.”
The facility currently stands at 14,000 square feet of manufacturing space, and the expansion will add 90,000 square feet for operations.
Additionally, this project will help WRE meet customer demand from domestic and international clients as well as develop new products.
“We are proud of all the people and employees who have worked tirelessly to support WRE and make this happen,” said BJ Rogers, Vice President of Operations, D&M Holding Company, Inc. “Having grown up in Des Arc, I’m personally proud to see the successes that have been made with primers and look forward to continued success in the future production of propellant.”
The company currently has 125 employees in Des Arc, with 73 new employees added in the past year.
“I’m grateful that WRE chose Des Arc as their facility site and extremely excited about this expansion phase that will create approximately 100 new jobs in this area,” said Roger Scott, Mayor of Des Arc. “WRE is a remarkable asset to this community. They are very supportive of Des Arc and are involved in the community activities. In this economy, it’s important to have local jobs available so our citizens aren’t forced to go out of town for employment.”
Construction on the expansion has already begun and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
To learn more about WRE or apply for a position, click here.
