Made in USA: Wal-Mart inks deal with American toy maker

ROGERS, Ark. A company that makes battery-operated toys that children can ride on says it will open a manufacturing plant at Rogers and hire 74 workers who will build products exclusively for Wal-Mart.

Redman & Associates says it will invest $6.5 million in the plant at an average hourly wage of $18.

Beginning in 2014, the factory will make 6-volt battery-powered ride-on toys that will feature characters from Disney and the Marvel franchises.

In remarks prepared for delivery, Wal-Mart U.S. president Bill Simon said a company goal has been to "revitalize" American manufacturing. Gov. Mike Beebe, also in prepared remarks, touted Arkansas as an affordable business location.

Wal-Mart has said it wanted to buy an additional $50 million worth of U.S.-made goods over the next decade.