MARKED TREE — A Texas-based structural steel fabrication company has purchased 70 acres in Marked Tree with plans to develop its first Arkansas operation, according to a release from Basden Steel.
The company, founded in 1985 and headquartered in Texas, closed on the property Nov. 21. The land, located just off Exit 13 on Interstate 555, was purchased from Rittwood Farms. Haag Brown Commercial’s Industrial Division brokered the transaction.
Basden Steel said the Marked Tree project will be its first purpose-built, or “Greenfield,” facility and is intended to support its existing operations. The company said the site’s proximity to major steel mills in Mississippi County factored into the decision.
Founder and CEO Bruce Basden said in the release that expanding into Arkansas “allows us to continue that legacy while creating opportunities for others who share our values.” Basden also said Marked Tree offers “a strategic location, great infrastructure,” and described the company’s plans as a “partnership with local leaders.”
The company stated the project is expected to bring “high-value job opportunities” to the region, though no timeline for hiring or construction details were provided.
Jeff Armstrong, who leads Haag Brown’s Industrial Division, said the development is part of ongoing revitalization efforts in Eastern Poinsett County. Ritter Arnold, the seller, also linked the land sale to broader housing and redevelopment projects his family has been involved in throughout Marked Tree.
Marked Tree Mayor Danny Johnson welcomed the project in the release, saying the city looks forward to the company joining local improvement efforts.
The announcement concludes by noting Basden Steel has completed more than 1,000 projects in several states and became fully employee-owned in 2020.
FULL PRESS RELEASE:
Basden Steel Announces Expansion to Marked Tree, Arkansas
[Marked Tree, AR, November 26, 2025] – Basden Steel, an AISC-certified structural steel fabrication company, is proud to announce its expansion into Marked Tree, Arkansas. On Friday, November 21, executive leadership from Basden Steel officially closed on a property marking the purchase and start of an exciting new partnership in the company’s next phase of growth.
Founded in 1985, Basden Steel has delivered structural steel solutions for projects throughout Texas and surrounding states, ranging from schools and hospitals to manufacturing plants and large-scale infrastructure. Over the past 40 years, the company has grown from fewer than ten employees to more than 700 employee-owners and has completed over 1,000 projects valued at more than $2 billion. Ranked as an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 600 Specialty Contractor since 2002, Basden Steel is recognized nationally as a leader in steel fabrication and erection services.
In 2020, Basden Steel became a 100% employee-owned company. This was a decision made by founder and CEO Bruce Basden to ensure the company’s legacy remains in the hands of the people who built it. “Our success has always been about our people,” said Basden. “Expanding into Arkansas allows us to continue that legacy while creating opportunities for others who share our values.”
The new Basden Steel Arkansas is the latest step of an ongoing vision and marks the company’s first true Greenfield project, a purpose-built plant designed to support existing operations while positioning the company for future growth. Situated on more than 70 acres in Marked Tree, the facility provides excellent 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,” said Basden.
The new operation is expected to bring high-value job opportunities to the region, with long-term plans to expand as market conditions allow.
“Basden Steel Arkansas represents more than just growth for our company. It’s an opportunity to invest in a community that shares our commitment to hard work, integrity, and people,” said Basden. “We’re excited to call Marked Tree home.”
Basden Steel purchased the 70 acres just off exit 13 on I-555 from Rittwood Farms. Jeff Armstrong, leader of Haag Brown Commercial’s Industrial Division, worked the deal.
“Nat Killpatrick and 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,” said Jeff Armstrong of Haag Brown Commercial’s Industrial Division. “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’s footprint is active in their hometown through their generosity to the schools and community. More recently, Ritter Arnold has been hard at work in the city of Marked Tree, revitalizing and rebuilding over 80 homes 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,” said seller Ritter Arnold, “and 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.”
“We are excited to welcome Basden Steel to our community,” said Marked Tree Mayor Danny Johnson, “and we look forward to them joining our efforts to make our town even stronger and better.”
Basden Steel’s entrance is sure to make a large impact on all of Poinsett County, further enhancing the mission of the Ritter family to regenerate growth by building back the city from within and attracting exceptional businesses. Haag Brown is thrilled to be a small piece in such a game-changing transaction and congratulates Basden Steel and the city of Marked Tree on this new partnership.
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About Haag Brown Commercial Real Estate & Development:
Haag Brown Commercial was established in 2010, and now has offices in both Jonesboro and Bentonville, AR. Specializing in project development, tenant representation, and investment advising for commercial properties in Arkansas and surrounding states, Haag Brown Commercial has continually expanded, launching divisions including Haag Brown Commercial – Industrial Division, Haag Brown Commercial – Medical Division, and Haag Brown Commercial – AG Division, bringing specialized knowledge and expertise to each area. Partners Greg Haag and Joshua Brown bring over 60 combined years of expertise in the real estate field, leading Haag Brown Commercial and their clients to success by placing clients’ needs ahead of their own while striving to excel in quality innovations and value of services in order to be a Philippians 2:4 company. Their passion for growth within Arkansas has led to a resilient and diverse economic base as they aggressively pursue progressive concepts to fill voids in the market and create options that will positively impact the community.
For more information about Haag Brown Commercial Real Estate & Development, please call 870.336.8000 or visit http://www.haagbrown.com
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