ICYMI: Headlines From
April 12–April 16, 2021
Big Green Is Back: Remington Ammunition Resumes Production
April 12, Remington Ammunition announced the much-anticipated brand homecoming and factory reboot at its Lonoke, Ark., facility.
Hundreds of American workers are now working around the clock to meet the ammunition needs of shooters and hunters across the country.
The company just released a video featuring Remington Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink showing firsthand that Big Green is Back.
Vanderbrink tours the plant, talking about his plans to ramp up production, overcome supply chain issues and demonstrate that the storied ammunition company is working overtime to address the needs of customers around the world.
Vista Outdoor, the new steward of Remington Ammunition and the Remington brand, took ownership of the “Big Green” Arkansas manufacturing facility October 2020 after acquiring select Remington assets.
“The shooting sports industry has experienced unprecedented growth and demand for high-quality ammunition, in large part driven by millions of new legal firearms owners joining our community over the last year,” Vanderbrink said. “Our message to new owners and to our millions of die-hard Remington Ammunition fans is our operations are in full swing, our quality control is second to none and our entire team is working tirelessly to make more ammo.”
For more info: remington.com.
Link to press release: remington.com/news/big-green-is-back.html
Link to video: https://youtu.be/2CXOrlrgbFY
RISE Armament Receives HIRE Vets Gold Medallion Award
RISE Armament has been presented the Gold Medallion Award from the HIRE Vets Medallion Program.
The HIRE Vets Medallion Program recognizes employers for their efforts to recruit, employ and retain our nation’s veterans. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only veteran hiring award at the federal level.
“We’re very honored to receive this recognition,” said Matt Torres, president of RISE Armament. “But more than that, we’re proud and honored to employ veterans who play a major role in the success of our company.”
The award emphasizes the importance of prioritizing and encouraging successful veteran hiring and retention and signals to veterans that an employer is committed to and supports America’s heroes.
President Donald J. Trump signed the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Act into law in May 2017. The Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) administers the HIRE Vets Medallion Program.
For more info: risearmament.com.
Wiley X Announces Move to Frisco, Texas
Wiley X announced plans to move its operations from Livermore, Calif., to Frisco, Texas. The new global headquarters, manufacturing and distribution site is set to be located in the Star Business Park and completed by Q2 2022. The central location within the U.S. will increase efficiencies of shipping and distribution, in both time and cost, to the wide range of customers Wiley X supports.
“Our entire team is committed to piloting smart and sustained growth for many years to come,” said Dan Freeman, Wiley X co-owner. “To take Wiley X to the next level, Frisco, Texas is the ideal location geographically and economically to set us up for a successful future. The City of Frisco and Frisco Economic Development Corporation have already been great business partners.”
Wiley X aligns well with Texas values, with a long history of providing protective eyewear to the United States military and being veteran-founded and family-owned. The move to Frisco will inspire the fabrication of a state-of-the-art building to elevate brand operations and will include a flagship retail store for Wiley X fans and local customers to enjoy.
“Wiley X is another in a long list of companies choosing Texas as home for its global headquarters and manufacturing and distribution center because of our thriving business climate. ‘Made in Texas’ is a powerful brand, and I look forward to watching Wiley X flourish,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
“Innovative companies like Wiley X thrive here. It’s a tremendous asset to have another world-class brand in Frisco creating great jobs for Frisco residents, including our veterans,” said Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney.
For more info: wileyx.com.
Leupold Sells Redfield Brand To Academy Sports
Leupold & Stevens Inc. announces the sale of the Redfield brand to Academy Sports + Outdoors.
“The sale is part of our continued strategic focus on the Leupold brand,” said Bruce Pettet, Leupold president and CEO. “We’ll continue to produce the world’s best performance optics for the elite outdoor athlete.”
The sale includes the brand rights for the Redfield brand of sports optics. Leupold will continue to support the warranty obligations for any legacy purchases of Redfield optics.
Founded in 1909, Redfield was a leading U.S. producer of riflescopes, spotting scopes, riflescope mounting systems and binoculars until its closure in 1998. After several ownership changes, Leupold acquired the brand in 2008 from Meade Instruments.
For more info: leupold.com.
Blackhawk’s “Your Right 2 Protect” Initiative Drives Success
Blackhawk continues to have success educating new and experienced gun owners alike through its Your Right 2 Protect (YR2P) initiative.
The YR2P program was created by Blackhawk to support new and existing firearms owners with the goal of helping people feel more confident when carrying a firearm.
Through a multi-faceted campaign, Blackhawk helps educate consumers on proper firearms handling and techniques through online resources, tools and videos. Among these tools is a purpose-built Holster Selector Tool on Blackhawk.com that helps gun owners choose the right holster for their preferred style of carry, while additional resources provide shooters with continued concealed carry education.
“Over the last several months, we’ve seen a surge in individuals exercising their right to firearm ownership, particularly those new to shooting,” said Evan McNamara, Blackhawk director of product development. “With resources covering everything from how to select a holster to the different options for carry, we want to continue to build confidence among gun owners — all while welcoming them to the 2A community.”
Additional YR2P resources available to gun owners include the Blackhawk Carry Positions Guide. This downloadable PDF educates consumers on carry position terminology and the differences in holster designs and styles. Blackhawk also offers a full lineup of videos with carry tips for all seasons and types of clothing (casual, athletic, business, etc.), product overviews, “how to” instruction, testimonials and ambassador spotlights.
For more info: blackhawk.com/your-right-2-protect.
