Business news in brief

Rockline Industries honored for safety

The Arkansas Department of Labor recognized Rockline Industries’ Springdale manufacturing facility with an award for achieving 7 million safe work hours. Only 11 other companies have achieved the milestone since Arkansas began recognizing workplace safety in 1976.

Canada office to aid Wal-Mart suppliers

8th & Walton opened an office in Mississauga, Ontario, for suppliers supporting Wal-Mart Canada. The office will focus on helping suppliers become better partners with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. by offering them Retail Link training and advisory services.

Canada’s 8th & Walton leadership team — John Lawrence, Heather Reid and Dawn McFarlane — has more than 50 years of combined Wal-Mart experience.

Inc. 5000 ranks 4 NW Arkansas firms

Inc. 5000 named four Northwest Arkansas businesses to its 2016 list of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America.

Collective Bias, a shopper marketing firm in Rogers, made the list for the third-consecutive year and ranked 977. The company had 409 percent revenue growth over three years and achieved the No. 2 position among private Arkansas companies, with a 2015 annual revenue of $33.6 million.

Central Research in Lowell ranked 1,558 with 244 percent three-year growth and $17 million in revenue. The company provides records management, research, debt collection, and data and Internet technology services to roughly 13 federal agencies and organizations.

B-Unlimited in Fayetteville ranked 1,839 with 202 percent three-year growth and $4.4 million in revenue. The firm provides graphic design studio and print services, specializing in Greek apparel and promotional products.

Energy firm capSpire in Fayetteville ranked 1,855 with 201 percent three-year growth and $13.9 million in revenue. The business provides global consulting services, including strategic advisory and system-integration throughout the Untied States and Europe.

2 ArcBest units earn logistics awards

ArcBest Corp.’s ABF Freight and Panther Premium Logistics received Logistics Management magazine’s 2016 Quest for Quality Awards in the expedited-motor-carrier category.

The award marks the fourth-consecutive selection and fifth overall for ABF Freight. This is also the fourth-consecutive year Panther has received the award.

The annual awards mark the culmination of a six-month research project conducted by Peerless Research Group. Transportation service providers are rated on on-time performance, value, information technology, customer service, and equipment and operations.