"...We decided early on that if we weren’t doing it to change people’s lives – ours, our employees, and the communities – then it wasn’t for us." -Brent Sawyer, GM and CFO of G&H Decoys.
October 04, 2024
By Wildfowl Staff
The historic waterfowl brand G&H Decoys announced on September 30 that it has relocated its headquarters to Corning, Arkansas. According to a press release, the move hopes to create more jobs in the area and further its roots and history of making quality, American-made products.
G&H aims to bring 77 more jobs to the area and invest $2.1 million in relocating to Arkansas. With a heightened focus on giving back to the community, the decoy company wants to benefit Corning and Arkansas and continue to help the American worker.
The following is from the G&H press release: “When Rob Hansen approached me about the idea of taking on G&H Decoys, we decided early on that if we weren’t doing it to change people’s lives – ours, our employees, and the communities – then it wasn’t for us,” said Brent Sawyer, general manager and chief financial officer of G&H Decoys. “We wanted to be part of something spectacular, but we also wanted to be an outlet for lifestyle improvement within Northeast Arkansas. We believe in American-made products, and we believe in the American worker. Arkansas has a long history of pride and excellence both in manufacturing and in waterfowl hunting. We are excited to fire up operations in Corning because we know we are in good company.” Founded in the late 1940s by John J. Gazalski and J.V. Hutton, G&H Decoy Manufacturing Company has produced “Made in the USA” waterfowl decoys for eight decades. The company was acquired by Five Rivers Plastics Manufacturing in July 2024.
“Arkansas is the duck hunting capital of the world, so we are thrilled to welcome one of our nation’s best duck hunting outfitters to our state,” said Governor Sanders. “Their relocation to Corning and additional investment in Northeast Arkansas will power economic growth in the region and help grow Arkansas’ thriving outdoor recreation industry.”
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G&H Decoys selected Corning, Arkansas as the location for its manufacturing operations due to the state’s duck hunting culture, availability of real estate, and its strong workforce. “Outdoor recreation and entrepreneurship are both points of pride in Arkansas. Our state has a long history for supporting a strong outdoor industry and entrepreneurs, and G&H Decoys is now part of that story,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “G&H Decoys will be creating nearly 80 jobs in Corning, and we’re excited to have them in Arkansas.” Production is expected to begin on October 14. The 40,000-square-foot facility is located at 1900 West Main Street in Corning, and the company will manufacture floating duck and geese decoys, as well as full-body and shell geese decoys.
“The City of Corning is excited to welcome G&H Decoys to our community,” said Corning Mayor Greg Ahrent. “The revitalization of the long-vacant Walmart building, along with the creation of new jobs, represents a significant boost to our local economy. We look forward to the positive impact this development will bring.”
