Walmart supplier Redman & Associates to set up manufacturing facility in Arkansas

Rogers, Ark. -- Walmart and Redman & Associates, a manufacturer of ride-on toys, announced that Redman will open a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Rogers, Ark., that will six-volt battery-powered ride-on toys featuring characters from popular Disney and Marvel franchises.



Mel Redman, CEO and founder of Redman & Associates, is a retired Walmart executive. According to the Associated Press, his company was spending $7 million annually on ocean shipping before any of his merchandise reached the West Coast and then needed to be transported throughout the country. Redman said by the end of 2016, all 600,000 vehicles now made in China would be built and shipped from Rogers, according to the report.



"We are extremely proud to be able to manufacture right here in Arkansas," said Mel Redman, founder & CEO of Redman & Associates "This agreement was completed through working collaboratively with the state and Walmart and was accelerated following Walmart's U.S. manufacturing summit in August. We look forward to starting production and creating good-paying positions with average hourly wage of $18."