ICYMI: Industry News
From Jan. 20–24, 2025
Olin – Winchester To Acquire Ammunition Assets of AMMO Inc.
Olin Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement with AMMO Inc. whereby Olin will acquire AMMO’s small-caliber ammunition manufacturing assets for a purchase price of $75 million. The transaction will be funded through available liquidity. The assets will become part of Olin’s Winchester Ammunition business.
The acquisition includes AMMO’s brass shell-case capabilities and its 185,000 sq. ft. production facility located in Manitowoc, Wis. The Manitowoc facility and its employees will complement Winchester’s existing production capabilities, enabling greater specialization and broader participation across high-margin specialty calibers.
Once fully integrated with Winchester’s industry-leading economies of scale and integration across the commercial ammunition value chain — from raw material sourcing to projectiles, primers and loading capabilities — the acquisition is anticipated to yield realized synergies of $40 million.
“The Manitowoc assets will extend Winchester’s leadership position and expand the reach and value of our near full integration,” said Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester Ammunition. “The acquired assets will enable our legacy plants to lower costs of existing high-volume products and increase our ability to participate in higher margin specialty rounds at a cost advantage.”
Ken Lane, Olin president and CEO, remarked, “As highlighted during our recent Investor Day, this investment continues the Winchester acquisition strategy, which began with our White Flyer acquisition in 2023, to identify and secure small bolt-on opportunities that are highly strategic and immediately accretive to Olin. We expect the Manitowoc assets to generate $15 million to $20 million of incremental adjusted EBITDA in the first year and, by the third year, we expect to have paid less than two times adjusted EBITDA.”
The transaction is subject to customary terms and closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
For more info: olin.com
Henry Repeating Arms Introduces Special Products Division
Henry Repeating Arms unveiled its new Special Products Division (SPD), a collaborative hub dedicated to pioneering advancements in firearms design and technology to explore what’s possible. In pursuit of solving real-world problems posed by the outdoorsmen, hunters and hobbyists of today and tomorrow, SPD will serve as the home for Henry’s most technically advanced firearms.
“The Special Products Division represents a significant leap forward for us,” stated Andy Wickstrom, president of Henry Repeating Arms. “Over the last few years, we’ve brought in some of America’s brightest minds in firearms design and developed a deeply rooted culture of exploring the unknown. This isn’t about following trends; it’s about leading with purpose and innovation to create new ones.”
With a focus on advanced materials and metallurgy, cutting-edge manufacturing processes and collaborating with other leaders in their respective spaces, SPD aims to deliver practical solutions that set a new bar for their use cases, whether it’s a backcountry hunter seeking the most rugged, ultralight, long-distance hunting rifle, or a discerning hobbyist wanting the best platform for their suppressor.
“As an engineer, the unique challenges and questions being answered by those in the Special Products Division are exhilarating,” said Nick Chappell, VP of engineering. “Our team is empowered with the autonomy necessary for these types of projects, and backed by an extensive array of tools, resources and connections both within and beyond the firearms industry to ensure results of the highest quality. We foster a culture of discovery and originality and are excited to showcase the capabilities of the Special Products Division to the world.”
Henry Repeating Arms plans to roll out its first offerings under the SPD banner by Spring 2025.
For more info: henryusa.com
Colt Launches Safety Impact Award
Colt’s Manufacturing Company launched its Safety Impact Award, a platform recognizing nonprofit organizations that exemplify an exceptional commitment to safety in the firearms industry.
To help champion the vital work of these outstanding organizations, Colt enlisted the help of former professional football stars Clay Matthews (Project ChildSafe), Adam Vinatieri (Clays For Charity), Joe Thomas (Ducks Unlimited) and Fletcher Cox (IHEA). Each of these ambassadors shares a passion for outdoor recreation and, with Colt, have made an initial donation of $5,000 to support the safety missions of their respective charitable partners.
Colt’s innovative engagement platform provides fans with an opportunity to help determine the winner of the inaugural Safety Impact Award by casting a vote at SafetyImpactAward.com. For every vote received, Colt will donate one dollar (up to $10,000) to the winning nonprofit organization.
“As an avid hunter and sport shooter, educating and explaining the critical importance of safe and responsible firearm ownership to everyone is imperative,” said Cleveland football legend, Joe Thomas. “So, I jumped at the opportunity to come on board with Colt and Ducks Unlimited to shine a spotlight on this award and rally our communities to affect change for everyone.”
As a token of appreciation for supporting safe and responsible ownership, all fans who vote will be entered into Colt’s Big Game Safety Sweepstakes, in collaboration with Credova, where they will have a chance to win a portion of $100,000 if a safety occurs in the pro football championship on Sunday, February 9.
For more info: safetyimpactaward.com
USCCA Launches New Non-Lethal Self-Defense Course
The USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association) announce a new partnership with industry leaders ASP, Byrna, SABRE and TASER Self Defense to launch a groundbreaking Non-Lethal Tools for Self-Defense Course. This innovative program offers comprehensive training to equip responsibly armed Americans with practical knowledge and skills to use less-lethal tools effectively for personal protection.
“Non-lethal tools are an essential part of the self-defense journey,” said Rob Chadwick, director of training and development and the former head of the Tactical Training Program at Quantico and leader of the FBI’s national Active Shooter Response Training Program.
“This partnership delivers a cutting-edge curriculum that empowers individuals to defend themselves confidently while prioritizing safety and preparedness,” said Chadwick. “Having depended on these tools daily to save my life during my law enforcement career, I’m thrilled to partner with industry leaders in the less-than-lethal space to provide people with the training and resources needed to stay safe and protect their families.”
All four partners share the USCCA’s dedication to promoting the importance of training and education in self-defense. Together, they aim to evangelize the value of preparedness and provide practical solutions for non-lethal protection.
For more info: uscca.com
MDT Acquires MTNGear Bipods
MDT announced the acquisition of the Mountain and Backcountry bipods from MTNGear. MTNGear, based in New Zealand, was launched in 2018 by Matt Vincent to develop lightweight hunting products. The Mountain and Backcountry Bipods will join MDT’s suite of bipods.
The Mountain and Backcountry bipods will be released in Q1 of this year.
For more info: mdttac.com
Kinsey’s Announces Dealer Show 2025
Kinsey’s Inc. announced its annual Dealer Show, KDS25, will return in 2025. The event will run for three days, Thursday, February 13 to Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster, Pa.
KDS25 offers dealers the opportunity to save on products which helps to maximize their margins and contribute to their business’s bottom line from more than 250 leading brands. Dealers also can program their show orders with industry-leading ship dates starting with ASAP shipments through Aug. 1, depending on the item category.
Attendees of KDS25 will get to experience all of the show staples, including the Hot Shows, Vendor and Dealer interactions, giveaways and much more.
As in years past, Kinsey’s will treat their dealers to a live show on Dealer Appreciation Night Concert. This year’s concert will feature country star, Chris Cagle.
Kelsey Heisey, Kinsey’s Inc. Chief Operating Officer, stated, “KDS is always an anticipated event for the Kinsey’s team. We look forward to the opportunity of once again having our customers and vendors together in person where we can do business and have fun. We have been refining our processes and making new enhancements — even adding food to the showroom floor — making it your year to thrive!”
Dealer registration for the show is open until Friday, February 7, 2025.
Registration is restricted to dealers who have a registered Kinsey Account. New dealers can attend the show but must first apply by downloading the application at kinseysinc.com (https://kinseysinc.com/new-accounts/).
For more info: kinseysinc.com
