Four Arkansas companies and organizations receive Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade
Companies celebrated for doing business in markets throughout the world
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (October 17, 2025) – Four Arkansas companies and organizations were presented the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade today in Little Rock. The award honors companies of all sizes for excellence in actively selling products in international markets.
Those honored include Push Plastic (Washington County), FX3D (Benton County), University of Central Arkansas Center for Global Learning and Engagement (Faulkner County) and Lifeplus International (Independence County).
“From Australia to Saudi Arabia, Arkansas’ products and services continue to expand their reach throughout the world as a result of those honored today,” said Arkansas District Export Council Chair Jonathan Bricker. “The state of Arkansas has momentum on the global stage, and the Council is honored to assist companies that play a role in this momentum. We encourage businesses of all sizes to contact the Council and let us serve you.”
This is the 15th year for the award, established by the Arkansas District Export Council (DEC) in collaboration with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the US Commercial Service and the Arkansas World Trade Center. The Arkansas DEC is a non-profit organization composed of experienced exporters and businesspeople who regularly provide support services to exporting companies. Each member has been appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce as a result of expertise in international trade matters and a commitment to volunteerism.
The four recipients are doing business in countries including Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Germany, Ghana, India, Japan, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.
The recipients of the 2025 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade are:
Rising Star in Exporting—Push Plastic (Washington County)
Push Plastic manufactures premium 3D printing filament, proudly serving the additive manufacturing community since its founding. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company has built its reputation on precision, consistency, and a commitment to innovation. Push Plastic is expanding their workforce to keep pace with increasing demand for high-quality 3D printing. They primarily export to Canada, Mexico, Australia and Saudi Arabia.
Innovation and Impact in Manufacturing–FX3D (Benton County)
FX3D, a subsidiary of Mundo Tech, is a cutting-edge engineering company specializing in the design and production of modular, 3Dprinted inspection and assembly fixtures for high-precision industries such as aerospace, automotive, defense, and advanced manufacturing. Their patented technology delivers lightweight, highly accurate tools that streamline dimensional inspection, welding, and production validation. FX3D’s international success has directly benefited Arkansas—creating high-skilled jobs, attracting investment, and reinforcing the state’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing innovation. The company’s headquarters in Rogers has seen a 40% increase in engineering hires in the last three years, and they export to Germany, Japan and several other countries.
International Impact in Education—University of Central Arkansas Center for Global Learning and Engagement (Faulkner County)
Founded in 1907, the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is committed to excellence through the delivery of 94 undergraduate certificate and degree programs, 10 graduate certificates, 31 master’s degree programs, 11 post-master’s programs, and six doctoral programs. A comprehensive regional university with 10,000 students and Division 1 athletics, each year UCA welcomes 350 international students each fall for a wide variety of majors. They have recently hired their first ever international student recruitment specialist. Their students come from 70 different countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Japan, Ghana, China, The Bahamas, Nigeria, Nepal, France, Canada, Niger, Vietnam, South Korea and India.
Exponential Growth in Manufacturing—Lifeplus International (Independence County)
Lifeplus is a manufacturer and international distributor of a broad variety of high-quality supplements, vitamins, and other related health care products. They have also established a pet supplement division in the past year, having purchased a pet supplement company in Vermont and relocated it to their Batesville manufacturing campus. They recently completed Phases 1 and 2 of a four-phase expansion project, adding a new manufacturing facility and new office space, which will allow them to add 150 new employees in the next three years. They export to all European countries, especially Germany, Switzerland and the UK, as well as Japan, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada.
Written by Scott Hardin, Communications Director, Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
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