Basden Steel of Texas Expands to Northeast Arkansas

Basden Steel's acquired lot (Provided by Haag Brown)

Basden Steel, a structural steel fabrication company, is expanding to Marked Tree in northeast Arkansas.

Based in Burleson, Texas, the company closed on a 70-acre property in Poinsett County Nov. 21. The new operation is expected to bring high-value job opportunities to the region, with long-term plans to expand as market conditions allow.

Founded in 1985, Basden Steel has delivered structural steel solutions for projects throughout Texas and surrounding states, including for schools, hospitals, manufacturing plants and other large-scale infrastructure.

In 2020, Basden Steel became a 100% employee-owned company, with more than 700 employee-owners. The company has completed more than 1,000 projects valued at more than $2 billion.

The new Basden Steel Arkansas marks the company’s first true Greenfield project, a purpose-built plant aiming to support existing operations while positioning the company for future growth. Situated on more than 70 acres in Marked Tree, the facility provides access to major steel mills less than an hour away in Mississippi County.

“Marked Tree offers a strategic location, great infrastructure, and, most importantly, a partnership with local leaders who share our vision of taking care of people and strengthening the community,” Bruce Basden, the company’s founder and CEO, said in a press release.

Basden purchased the 70 acres just off exit 13 on I-555 from Rittwood Farms, owned by Ritter Arnold. Arnold is the retired president of E. Ritter & Company (ERC), the parent company of Ritter Communications and Ritter Agribusiness.

Jeff Armstrong, leader of Haag Brown Commercial’s Industrial Division, worked the deal.

“The team at Basden Steel’s commitment to their development in Marked Tree, is a key part of the revitalization strategy that we are proud to support alongside Ritter Arnold and his team,” Armstrong said in the press release. “Creating quality jobs for a skilled workforce is essential to sustaining the momentum already underway in Eastern Poinsett County, and this is just the beginning as connectivity for outdoor recreation, expanded food options, and retail opportunities all continue to come together to strengthen the community.”

The Ritter family is active in the town through donations to the schools and community. Most recently, Ritter Arnold has been working in the city of Marked Tree, rebuilding more than 80 homes with a goal to attract and retain residents.

“We are committed to providing affordable, quality housing to help attract families to our local communities of Marked Tree and the surrounding towns of NEA,” Arnold said in the release. “It has been rewarding to see the team at Basden Steel appreciate these efforts. Their commitment to Marked Tree will be another positive step in the revitalization of our local communities.”

Basden said in the release that the company was looking forward to investing in Marked Tree and the growth of the company.

“We are excited to welcome Basden Steel to our community and we look forward to them joining our efforts to make our town even stronger and better,” Marked Tree Mayor Danny Johnson said in the release.