ICYMI: Industry News
From Sept. 16–20, 2024

D&M Announces Expansion Primer Facility & New Smokeless Propellant Factory

D&M Holding Company Inc. (D&M) is investing $70 million to expand its current White River Energetics (WRE) ammunition primer and energetics facility in Des Arc, Ark., and build a single-base, smokeless propellant factory.

“Currently, there is a worldwide shortage of smokeless propellant that is affecting munitions availability globally,” said Dan Powers, president and CEO of D&M. “This will be the first single-base propellant factory to be built in the United States in over 50 years.”

White River Energetics currently has 125 employees at the Des Arc facility, with 73 new employees added in the past year. The expansion will create 100 new jobs and increase the Des Arc campus from 14,000 sq. ft. to over 100,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space. Construction on the expansion is underway and expected to be completed in Q1 2026.

This expansion will enable WRE to scale its energetics and primer manufacturing to meet customer demand as well as develop new products.

“This expanded campus also provides a facility for R&D and for training for our customers for whom we are building factories around the world,” said James Jones, VP of business development for D&M.

D&M and WRE support domestic and international clients in the defense and sporting markets through its development of turnkey factories, and its manufacturing and distribution of energetics for various types of ammunition, including primers for small- and large-caliber pistols and rifles.

For more info: dmholding.com, whiteriverenergetics.com

Federal Ammunition Continues Partnership With YSSA

Federal Premium announced its ongoing collaboration with the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA), reinforcing a shared commitment to introducing safe and responsible shooting sports to new enthusiasts. As a dedicated sponsor of this exceptional organization, Federal supports YSSA’s mission to foster the development of shooting sports programs that prioritize safety and responsibility.

“By supporting YSSA, our company proudly contributes to the preservation of the shooting sports heritage and shows our dedication to the next generation of hunters and target shooters,” said Federal Ammunition’s Director of Community Relations Jon Zinnel. “We firmly believe in the mission of YSSA and its efforts to introduce people to shooting sports.”

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance was founded in 2007. The YSSA has loaned and donated equipment to youth programs nationwide, benefiting more than 120,000 youth.

For more info: federalpremium.com, youthshootingsa.com

Freedom Munitions Moving Ammo Component Production To Idaho

Freedom Munitions LLC announced its decision to consolidate projectile component production from X-Treme Bullets out of Nevada into its Lewiston, Idaho facilities.

The decision was made to streamline production and eliminate the dual inefficiencies between Carson City and Lewiston production.  While several layoffs in Carson City did occur, other key employees have been offered remote and/or relocation opportunities to Idaho.  This measure adds production demand to Lewiston on the component side.

“Freedom Munitions has grown and evolved rapidly over the past several years, which has resulted in some duplication of roles and job functions that are difficult to justify today, said Toby Thill, president of Freedom Munitions. “The restructuring we are undertaking will reduce our costs and improve our operating model so we can thrive and continue to have controlled growth in the right areas. We are going to continue to invest in our future with more LAX retail store locations in California, while expanding the rifle casings caliber offerings in Idaho.”

X-Treme Bullets’ branded items will remain available, and production processes for quality plated bullets and brass will not change. X-Treme’s products are available via www.xtremebullets.com as well as through wholesale and OEM channels per usual.

Freedom Munitions expects the Carson City facility to be fully shut down by the end of 2024.

For more info: freedommunitions.com

Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors Hosts Auction To Support Youth Hunting & Fishing

Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mentorship for youth in hunting and fishing, has launched an online auction, Bid for Mentorship. The auction will go live on October 1st and will run through October 7th. Auction items are available to view and new items will be added daily.

“Our online auction is a fantastic way for supporters to contribute to our mission while enjoying some truly unique experiences and items,” said Brittany French, CEO of Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors. “The funds raised through this auction will help us continue to provide mentorship to youth, giving them the opportunity to develop a lifelong passion for the outdoors.”

Auction item highlights include:

Duck, Goose and Upland Hunt for six with Big Kansas Whitetails — Ultimate Hunting Experience

Guided fly fishing for two

Custom-crafted items including a friction nail call, turkey call, leather gun sling, knife and jewelry

Thermal hog hunt & gar fishing for four in Dallas

50-person wine-tasting experience led by Clive Botha of African Tradition Wine

For more info: outdoormentors.org