ICYMI: Industry News
From Oct. 18–22, 2021
Henry Expands Capacity With New Wisconsin Facility
To accommodate the strong demand for a growing product lineup, Henry Repeating Arms is expanding its operations with an 84,000 sq. ft. building on 13.5 acres in Ladysmith, Wis. Located less than an hour away from the company’s 140,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Rice Lake, Wis., the new facility will employ over 100 people in the Rusk County area within three years.
The new property gives the company a total of 350,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space with over 600 employees to support its “Made in America, Or Not Made at All” mantra. The facility will initially be machining parts for the company’s lineup of more than 200 models of rifles and shotguns. The additional Ladysmith acreage also allows for future expansion.
“Staking our flag at a new facility is the beginning of another exciting chapter in our company’s history, and we’re wasting no time prepping the building for our machines,” said Andy Wickstrom, Henry Repeating Arms president. “We thank the state of Wisconsin and Rusk County officials for keeping the door open for us, and we look forward to adding members of another great Wisconsin community to our family.”
“We’re excited to see Henry Repeating Arms make a commitment to Ladysmith and Rusk County. They’re an employer we’re eager to see grow in our community for years to come,” added Andy Albarado, of Rusk County Economic Development.
For more info: henryusa.com.
Rock River Arms Launches “Load Up!” Promotion
Rock River Arms has announced its “Load Up!” promotion. Now through December 31,2021, retail purchasers of any new 5.56/.223 Rock River Arms rifle purchased from a retail dealer will be eligible for five free magazines ($80.00 value).
To redeem for the five RRA magazines, retail customers will need to submit their information to rockriverarms.com/rebates, where they will be required to upload a dated sales receipt showing purchase date and the firearm serial number for validation. Upon approval, the magazines will be shipped directly to the applying customer (allow 6 weeks for processing).
Low-capacity magazines will be substituted where required by law.
For more info: rockriverarms.com.
Smith & Wesson Issues M&P12 Recall Notice
Smith & Wesson Inc. has received two field reports of cracked barrels involving the M&P12 Shotgun. As of Oct. 18, Smith & Wesson is implementing a safety recall of all M&P12 shotguns manufactured prior to October 15, 2021, to ensure there are no barrel anomalies or conditions that might adversely affect the safety, function or performance of the firearm.
“We are asking all M&P12 Shotgun owners to stop using the product immediately. To begin facilitating the repair process, contact Smith & Wesson at 833-957-3476, or via email at MPshotgunrecall@smith-wesson.com, to receive instructions, as well as a prepaid shipping label for the return of your M&P12 Shotgun to Smith & Wesson,” the company said in a statement.
For more info: smith-wesson.com, MPshotgunrecall.com.
Greater Miami Campaign Targets Illegal Gun Purchases
As part of an ongoing national effort to help prevent illegal “straw” purchases of firearms, the NSSF, ATF and DOJ are reminding the greater Miami area public that stiff penalties are in place for individuals convicted of such unlawful purchases. The campaign is in its 21st year and is a cornerstone of the cooperative relationship of the firearm industry, law enforcement and retailers.
Billboard, radio, streaming audio and digital advertisements for the Don’t Lie for the Other Guy program have been purchased by NSSF in key locations throughout the region with the message: “Buy a gun for someone who can’t and buy yourself 10 years in jail. Don’t Lie for the Other Guy.”
The month-long public awareness campaign was officially launched Oct. 19 with a press conference program at Bass Pro Shops at Miami’s Dolphin Mall. Present at the event were representatives of the ATF Miami Field Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and NSSF.
The Miami area “Don’t Lie” includes more than 64 outdoor billboards, digital bulletin boards and posters. There are also more than 152 radio spots playing and 750,000 digital streaming radio service impressions. On social media, “Don’t Lie” advertisements total nearly 2.4 million targeted geofenced online mobile advertisements and 1 million Facebook and Instagram impressions. Miami was chosen for this special campaign by ATF. No taxpayer dollars are used. The program is funded in full by the firearm industry.
“The firearm industry has always been focused on keeping firearms out of the hands of those who should not possess them. We’re proud of our more than two-decade cooperative relationship with the ATF, the DOJ and the entire law enforcement community to assist them in their collective efforts to reduce criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO.
For more info: dontlie.org.
Platinum Equity To Acquire Pelican Products
Oct. 19, Platinum Equity announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Pelican Products. Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2021.
Pelican operates in two primary segments: Pelican Products designs and manufactures high-performance rigid protective cases, advanced portable lighting systems and outdoor consumer products for government, commercial and consumer markets. Peli BioThermal provides a portfolio of passive temperature-controlled parcel solutions for high-growth clinical trials and commercial biopharma markets.
Headquartered in Torrance, Calif., Pelican maintains 12 manufacturing sites, 17 service centers and network stations and 23 international sales offices across 25 countries.
Pelican CEO Phil Gyori will continue to lead the company following the transaction.
“As we move forward with the backing of Platinum Equity, I’m confident Pelican’s growth trajectory will remain strong, and our products and services will expand to meet the needs of our diverse customer base,” said Gyori. “I look forward to rolling up our sleeves, working alongside Platinum’s experienced team, and creating an exciting new chapter in the Pelican story.”
For more info: platinumequity.com, pelican.com.
