07/09/2026
Portside with Bryan, who's always doing big wonderful things over by the river!
PORTSIDE WITH BRYAN
One of the things that makes the Port of Little Rock so special is that it connects Arkansas to the world.
This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Rolf Off, Consul General of Switzerland in Atlanta, and Kimberly Roth Shulman, Senior Trade Commissioner with the Swiss Business Hub USA, to the Port of Little Rock. Their visit provided an opportunity to showcase how international partnerships are creating jobs, investment, and opportunity right here in Arkansas.
During their visit, they met with the team at Georg Fischer (GF), a Swiss company that proudly calls the Port of Little Rock home. Founded in Switzerland in 1802, GF has grown into a global leader in flow solutions, operating in 46 countries, employing more than 13,300 people, and generating approximately 3 billion Swiss francs in annual sales.
GF develops innovative technologies that safely and sustainably move fluids for industries and communities around the world. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing is helping build critical infrastructure while creating meaningful careers here in Central Arkansas.
When companies like GF choose to invest at the Port of Little Rock, the impact extends far beyond our industrial park. Those investments create high-quality jobs, strengthen our tax base, support local suppliers and small businesses, and connect Arkansas manufacturers to customers around the globe.
Economic development today is about building relationships that cross oceans while creating opportunities that stay close to home. A company headquartered thousands of miles away can become an important part of the fabric of our community, and that’s exactly what has happened with Georg Fischer.
We are grateful for the visit from our Swiss partners and proud that Georg Fischer continues to invest in Arkansas. Their success is another reminder that the Port of Little Rock isn’t just moving products—it’s building international partnerships that strengthen our state’s economy and connect Arkansas to the world.