SIG SAUER Expands N.H. Operations

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SIG SAUER Expands N.H. Operations

SIG SAUER Inc. has announced an expansion of its New Hampshire operations to the city of Rochester.

The company is poised to acquire a multi-building campus in Rochester, relocate its Dover operation and expand overall New Hampshire operations located within Crossroads Industrial Park situated on 35+ acres with up to 210,000 sq. ft. of space. This expansion is spurred by the need for additional manufacturing space and SIG’s continued market growth.

“We’re incredibly excited about completing the acquisition of a new facility in Rochester which gives SIG the much-needed flexibility to expand our manufacturing operations in the region and grow our workforce,” said Ron Cohen, SIG SAUER president and CEO.

“The expansion of SIG SAUER’s New Hampshire operation is exciting and welcome news as our economy continues to grow,” added Gov. Chris Sununu. “We pride ourselves on working hand-in-hand with our partners in the private sector to expand economic opportunity for working families across the Granite State — and this partnership between the state of New Hampshire, city of Rochester and SIG SAUER does just that.”

“[This Acquisition] gives SIG the much-needed flexibility to expand our manufacturing operations.”

Ron Cohen SIG SAUER President & CEO

“We’re thrilled to welcome SIG SAUER to Rochester,” said Mayor Caroline McCarley. “The new location will provide great job opportunities to our state’s workforce and offer advanced manufacturing capabilities to the region. I also admire their commitment to work with our high school students in the Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center to gain skills that can be transferred into a wide variety of career paths.”

The expansion of SIG SAUER operations in New Hampshire is a result of a collaboration with the city of Rochester and the state of New Hampshire, including the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority (BFA).

“This partnership with SIG SAUER provides an exciting opportunity for the city of Rochester and will bring in 300 new, high-quality jobs to the city,” said James Key-Wallace, executive director of the BFA. “We were pleased to work closely with the state of New Hampshire and the city of Rochester to make this happen. Our collaborative approach shows New Hampshire is committed to growing our businesses here in the state and is always looking at creative opportunities. We want Granite State companies to know they can count on us for innovative solutions when they are ready to expand their operations.”

SIG SAUER’s world headquarters is located at Pease International Tradeport in Newington, N.H., and the company operates six additional locations across the state of New Hampshire in addition to operations in Arkansas and Oregon.

/ sigsauer.com

Kimber Relocates Corporate Headquarters

Kimber Mfg. has named Troy, Ala., as its official corporate headquarters and is now “hiring aggressively” in all departments.

After a carefully planned shift of leadership, R&D and manufacturing resources, Kimber has made substantial progress in the transition to its new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Troy. The final step in completing this new facility is adding staff across all departments.

Kimber’s new headquarters is situated on 80+ acres with more than 225,000 sq. ft. of space and is now home to design engineering, product management and manufacturing capabilities. After an exhaustive search, Troy was chosen for a multitude of reasons including its proximity to top-tier engineering schools, as well as gun- and business-friendly support from the city of Troy and Alabama.

Kimber is seeking qualified applicants across multiple positions and business areas including CNC technicians, machinists, quality-control specialists, lean technicians, design engineers, compliance analysts, customer service representatives, materials planners, maintenance technicians, finishing operators and assembly technicians.

“We have two indoor gun ranges, one outdoor range, a state-of-the-art design and prototype fabrication center and a dynamic team of professionals who pride themselves in producing firearms with unmatched attention to detail, design and performance,” said Pedi Gega, Kimber director of assembly and product finishing. “Every Kimber firearm is created with a unique blend of advanced precision technology and authentic human craftsmanship.”

/ kimberamerica.com

SENTRY Products Group Launches New Domain, Division

SENTRY Products Group has announced a new domain name for its website: sentrytactical.com. The previous domain, Sentryltp.com and e-commerce platform, Hexmagstore.com, will redirect to the new domain.

“We feel the new domain is more descriptive of who we are as a company and the customers we serve,” said Terry Naughton, president of SENTRY Products Group. “As we leverage our success in the commercial market to gain market share in the law enforcement and military communities, we’re incorporating new marketing efforts that include dedicated staff, new marketing materials and content and, of course, new product offerings for 2021.”

The company has also launched a Special Operations Division, an effort led by Mike Fogelman, Master Chief U.S. Navy SEAL (Ret.), to grow military and law enforcement sales.

“Mike brings with him a tremendous amount of experience providing a vital link between SENTRY’s products, our customers’ requirements and our product development team. Mike will also be instrumental in setting the foundation to expand the Special Operations Division across the country,” Naughton added.

/ sentrytactical.com

Federal Ammunition Continues Support For Hunter Education

Federal Ammunition and Vista Outdoor announce continued support for the International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) with a large, dedicated sponsorship aimed at developing a new IHEA-USA website.

This effort will help bring the organization into the modern digital age through the rebuilding of its digital presence and website infrastructure. Vista Outdoor, Federal’s parent company, has matched Federal’s donation, and will be an active supporter as this project moves forward.

“IHEA-USA has been in need of these digital improvements. This change will allow us to modernize our benefits and the delivery of our content to our current members, including enthusiasts, instructors and new hunters. Visitors looking to become more involved with hunter education will feel more welcome with an improved user experience, and IHEA-USA will have an easier time managing the site in real-time through an enhanced, more flexible platform,” said IHEA-USA COO Alex Baer.

The IHEA-USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works with state wildlife agencies, other national government organizations and the firearms industry to further the initiative of hunter safety and education on wildlife conservation. Federal has sponsored the IHEA-USA for more than a decade. Most notably, Federal sponsors the annual “Hunter Education Instructor of the Year” award, as well as the annual IHEA-USA conference.

“The events of 2020 have sparked a resurgence in outdoor recreation and hunting across America. Millions of new users are engaging in the shooting sports and entering the field for their first hunts. IHEA-USA’s modernization is well timed, and will help the hunting community grow in safe, responsible ways while also supporting the transition from first-time hunter to lifetime enthusiast,” said Jon Zinnel, Federal’s manger of conservation and youth shooting sports programs.

/ federalpremium.com / ihea-usa.org

Aero Precision Continues Kids S.A.F.E. Support

Aero Precision, firearms parts manufacturer specializing in the AR-15 platform, has continued its support and partnership with the Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation.

In conjunction with a $10,000 donation from Aero Precision, the Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation will continue their invaluable work and expand its children’s firearm safety program nationally.

“Aero Precision is proud to help play a part in [S.A.F.E. Foundation’s] mission of protecting children from firearms- related accidents through education,” the company said in a press release.

Since their start in 2015, Kids S.A.F.E. has helped reach nearly 21,000 children, working to properly educate and empower kids to make safe and responsible decisions in case they come across an unsecured firearm.

/ aeroprecisionusa.com / kidssafefoundation.org

U.S. Coast Guard Fields GLOCK Pistols

GLOCK Inc. announced the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has selected and begun fielding GLOCK pistols after a thorough review of testing results.

The USCG operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during peacetime. Its maritime law enforcement mission has jurisdiction in domestic and international waters. With missions of search and rescue, homeland security and national defense, the USCG requires a reliable sidearm that performs in all conditions and harsh elements.

After careful evaluation of existing federal contracts supported by GLOCK, the USCG opted to purchase the GLOCK 19 Gen5 MOS as its standard service pistol through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) contract. The USCG acquisition objective was fulfilled by GLOCK within four months of the initial purchase request. The CBP’s extensive solicitation process, which included independent testing by the Institute of Justice Laboratories, comprehensive field evaluations and direct input from 16,000 CBP law enforcement personnel, helped guide the USCG’s decision.

“GLOCK is honored to support the requirements of the USCG and provide a weapon solution that delivers unmatched performance and value in any environment,” said GLOCK Inc. VP Josh Dorsey. “The comprehensive testing and evaluation process conducted by CBP demonstrated the GLOCK pistol’s lasting reliability that instills confidence in those who use it to go into harm’s way.”

The CBP award incorporates GLOCK’s Gen5 technology, which has over 20 design modifications from the Gen4 platform.

/ us.glock.com

Fiocchi Acquires Baschieri & Pellagri

Fiocchi, global manufacturer of defensive, target and hunting ammunition, announced its acquisition of premium shotgun ammunition manufacturer Baschieri & Pellagri.

Baschieri & Pellagri is known throughout Europe and the U.S. for its ultra-premium shotshells and technologically advanced components, including powders, wads and the innovative Gordon case, developed to significantly reduce recoil in hunting and competitive shotgun shooting.

Established in Bologna, Italy, in 1885, Baschieri & Pellagri, as with Fiocchi, combines a rich heritage and Old-World craftsmanship tradition with focused R&D and technological innovation.

With manufacturing facilities in Lecco, Italy and Ozark, Mo., Fiocchi can capitalize on significant opportunities for vertical integration across the respective brands. As both entities merge their manufacturing expertise and specialized component technologies, they anticipate significantly expanded and diverse production capabilities.

Fiocchi will now have four manufacturing plants located on two continents: The plant in Lecco, the Baschieri & Pellagri operation in Marano di Castenaso, the state-of-the-art production facility in Ozark and the recently acquired Little Rock, Ark., facility.

/ fiocchiusa.com

Since opening its first location in Lee’s Summit, Mo. (pictured), in 2015, Frontier Justice has grown to three
locations in three Midwest states. “Frontier Justice is particularly passionate about reaching women and whole
families,” said Bren Brown, Frontier Justice president and co-founder. Its newest location is in Omaha, Neb.

Frontier Justice Expands In Midwest

Frontier Justice announced a partnership with Omaha Gun Club, a move that further expands Frontier Justice’s presence in the Midwest.

Frontier Justice opened its first store in 2015 in Lee’s Summit, Mo., adding a second store in Kansas two years later. Now, the company adds Nebraska as its third location.

Frontier Justice maintained a management contract with Omaha Gun Club for more than a year prior to forming the partnership.

“We are a multi-generation family in Omaha, and the gun club was our baby. We opened in 2016 with the intention of bringing something new and great to the community. When we realized how intense and volatile the business can be to manage, given our time constraints with our primary business, we sought Frontier Justice to partner with us. They bring the next level of service and products to our community,” said Robert Buscher Jr., president of John Roth & Son Inc.

The merger will allow for a greater variety of products and services, and all three states’ members will get a new practice range they are welcome to use. Expanding offerings is great for members, but none of the locations require membership in order to enjoy the range or other services offered.

“Frontier Justice is particularly passionate about reaching women and whole families. We are beyond excited to add the women and families of Omaha to the Frontier Justice tribe,” said Bren Brown, president and co-founder of Frontier Justice.
Frontier Justice offers a full range of products for personal safety, with or without a firearm.

The company boasts not only a next-generation firearms training facility and exceptional firearms retail space, but also a unique boutique featuring boho-chic fashion, jewelry and home décor.

/ frontier-justice.com

Staccato 2011 Pistols Used By Over 250 Agencies

Staccato 2011 announced a company milestone: Over 250 law enforcement agencies across the country have approved Staccato 2011 pistols for duty use.

Law enforcement is embracing Staccato not only for the company’s high-performing pistols, but also for its ongoing support that includes training. Major agencies duty-carrying Staccato pistols include the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).

“We forged our first law enforcement relationships under two years ago. In this short amount of time, the positive response for Staccato has been humbling; we are proud to serve thousands of officers who carry our pistols both on and off-duty,” said Nate Horvath, Staccato 2011 CEO.

“Departments are approving Staccato 2011 pistols for their superior performance in qualification tests that include pistol reliability, accuracy and ergonomics/efficiency,” said Buck Pierson, Staccato’s director of law enforcement and military business. “Departments are also choosing Staccato for our partnership mentality and ongoing support. We provide free 2011 transition courses for law enforcement, a 2011 armorer’s course and other specialized on-site department instruction. Instruction is led by senior Staccato team members, who are experienced military and law enforcement veterans.

“LBPD appreciates everything Staccato has done for us, and the stance the company has taken alongside law enforcement when very few will publicly do that. Courage is the rarest of traits, and we thank Staccato for supporting us,” said Sgt. Patrick Dougherty, Long Beach Police Department.

A veteran-led company that only uses American materials and parts, Staccato provides law enforcement, military and first responders a discount on pistols and magazines.

/ staccato2011.com

Image: Savage Arms

Savage Arms Announces New Multimedia Campaign

Savage Arms announced a new multimedia project called Savage Journeys, that chronicles hunters’ adventures across the country.

Focusing on skills crucial to successful hunting, the Savage team is joining hunters throughout the U.S. to highlight their experiences, including the unexpected twists and turns.

“Savage makes the best possible tools for American hunters. From the button-rifled barrels on our Axis rifles, to the proven lethality of Renegauge, Savage has proven itself in the field. And now we’re out to capture more — the faces and places of American hunting — and we’re bringing it to you in Savage Journeys,” said Beth Shimanski, Savage Arms’ director of marketing.

Every sportsman, even those with years of backcountry success, tackles unexpected challenges while hunting. This is what makes a lifetime of hunting such an incredible journey. Savage now wants to celebrate those who never quit and “allow their boots to carry them over the next ridge.”

Over the course of the next year, Savage will be documenting several hunters as they pursue wild game across a wide swath of the American landscape. These unscripted hunts will showcase hunting highlights, but they’ll also capture the hard work and determination needed to make it into and out of the woods.

Savage Journeys plans to capture experiences like the field-to-fork pursuit of Kansas whitetail and Wyoming antelope, the predator calls of the Arizona desert, the precision hunting of rabbits and the Magnum power of bear hunts.

Episodes will be available to view at the Savage Arms website.

/ savagearms.com

Blaser Group USA To Oversee Canada Operations

Blaser Group USA is now overseeing sales and marketing operations in Canada for the Blaser, Mauser and Sauer brands. The consolidation of operations in the North American market further strengthens the group as it expands distribution of its iconic German firearms brands.

Outdoor Escape Sales will handle all commercial sales for Blaser, Mauser and Sauer in Canada, and Calgary Shooting Center will manage the service and repair.

“We’ve seen significant growth in the Canadian market for the Blaser Group brands and are excited to add J.P. Sauer and Mauser to the product portfolios of our fine Canadian neighbors,” said Jason Evans, Blaser Group CEO. “As we continue to introduce innovative new products, Canadian consumers will see broader availability in addition to improved service and technical support as a result of our partnerships with Outdoor Escape Sales and Calgary Shooting Center.”

“We’ve been representing Blaser here in Canada since 2017 and are thrilled to now add Mauser and Sauer to our portfolio,” said Chris Weidenfelder, Outdoor Escapes Sales owner. “Mauser and Sauer are iconic firearms brands that represent a level of quality Canadian customers are not used to seeing at these price points, and this will allow us to reach a much broader group of hunters and shooters.”

/ blaser-group.com

allen company dealer display

ALLEN Co. Enhances Retail Store Layouts

For retailers looking to freshen up their visual layouts and improve floor fixturing, ALLEN Company has launched a Duffel Display Promotional Program that offers retailers multiple free samples of duffel bag products, and a strategic means to display them in pivotal areas of their store.

Duffel bags have long been a staple of outdoor stores catering to their adventure-seeking patrons, and this new series comes in time for the kickoff of hunting seasons around the country.

In order to receive a free Duffel Display Rack, a retailer needs to purchase a specified minimum number of duffel bags. Both the loaded sample display rack and order shipment are then sent to their store.

The Terrain Basin Duffel bags are a small part of the broader Terrain brand assortment. The product category is comprised of hunting backpacks and daypacks ranging in capacity from 3,000 to 1,300 cubic inches; binocular harness systems for optics and essential gear storage and dynamic waist-pack platforms for carrying smaller cargo loads.

/ byallen.com

Action Target, Coversix Launch Modular Shooting Ranges Line

Action Target Inc., manufacturer of modern shooting ranges, steel targets, shooting supplies and aftermarket services, has partnered with CoverSix, manufacturer of modular structures, to launch ARCAS, a new line of modular shooting ranges.

The three modular ranges are known as ARCAS EXT, ARCAS MBL and ARCAS DLX.

“We’re excited to be partnered with CoverSix, the leader in modular structures, to launch the ARCAS modular range. ARCAS is purpose-built to exceed industry standards in both safety and training capabilities, and is deployable anywhere in the world,” said Mike Birch, Action Target CEO.

The ARCAS EXT is available in single- and extended-module configurations that make it easy to build a range up to three lanes wide and 100m long. Standard features include floor-to-ceiling AR500 steel for critical coverage, steel or rubber bullet traps, advanced target systems, enhanced range control, sound treatment and range lighting.

The ARCAS MBL is a self-contained mobile firearms training range designed for long life on the open road. This mobile shooting range is 53′ long, and complies with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, while maintaining strict ballistic and environmental standards. The onboard HEPA-filtered ventilation system exceeds OSHA and NIOSH standards. Noise reduction treatments make the sound of training comfortable inside and out. A single ARCAS MBL can accommodate up to three shooters with a 7m or 10m training option. The dual trailer configuration provides a 25m long training range.

The ARCAS DLX offers an improved method of providing a modular small- arms range. By turning the modules sideways and using purpose-built structures that support every component, vertical columns are eliminated to provide a true cross-lane tactical training environment. Each ARCAS DLX module is 12′ wide, up to 62′ long and offers as many as 14 100m lanes of uninterrupted training space.

The ARCAS DLX accommodates wider lanes and higher ceilings while meeting DoD Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 4-179-02 for indoor small-arms firing ranges and ETL 11-18 small-arms range design and construction.

Modular shooting ranges reduce the project time and complexity of brick-and-mortar shooting ranges. The built-to-order shooting-range facilities ship to sites worldwide, and require minimal site preparation. Each unit is outfitted with Action Target’s shooting range products for advanced training, including the Genesis Target Retriever System, Dual Running Man Pro and the hit-sensing AutoTargets. The SmartRange Axis control platform enables ranges to easily operate and manage their range equipment, such as retrievers and HVAC, from a central control screen.

/ actiontarget.com

/ coversix.com

Winchester Manages, Operates Lake City Army Ammunition Plant

Olin Corp. announced its ammunition division, Olin Winchester, has assumed full management and operational control of the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Mo.

The U.S. Army selected Winchester to operate and manage the Lake City plant in September 2019. The contract has an initial term of seven years, and may be extended by the U.S. Army for up to three additional years. Winchester began shipping .50-cal. and 5.56 ammunition from the Lake City Armory plant in support of U.S. warfighters around the globe in October.

“Winchester employees have built a reputation with the U.S. Army that is unrivaled, and for the past year, we have been preparing for this significant transition,” said Brett Flaugher, Winchester president. “We were selected to manage the Lake City plant because of our industry-leading capabilities and track record. For decades, we have successfully demonstrated those capabilities in quality, innovation and on-time delivery, as well as through our partnership with the U.S. Army in developing solutions that service the U.S. Warfighter.”

Winchester is one of the world’s most recognized brands. Currently in its 154th year of operation and 90th year as part of Olin, Winchester is a premier developer and manufacturer of small-caliber ammunition for sale to domestic and international militaries, law enforcement agencies and commercial distributors and retailers. Winchester has been providing ammunition to the U.S. military since World War I, and is currently the U.S. Army’s largest supplier of small-caliber ammunition outside of the Lake City plant.

The Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, which began production in 1941, provides small-caliber military ammunition for both training and combat purposes. Winchester previously operated the Lake City plant from 1985–2000. The plant, encompassing nearly 4,000 acres, also serves as a national test center for ammunition performance and weapons firing.

/ winchestermilitary.com

Ruger Reports Q3 2020 Net Sales

Oct. 28, Sturm, Ruger & Co. reported Q3 2020 net sales totaled $145.7 million, an increase of 26.8% from Q3 2019 ($114.9 million). For the nine months ended Sept. 26, 2020, net sales were $399.6 million — up 30.8% over the corresponding period in 2019 ($305.4 million).

Ruger CEO Chris Killoy shared his insights on the strong financial results in the third quarter: “Consumer demand showed no signs of letting up during the quarter as concerns about personal protection and home defense were stoked by civil unrest in some cities around the United States, the call, by some, for the reduction in funding and authority of law enforcement organizations and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of this unprecedented demand, inventories remained significantly reduced at all levels in the channel during the third quarter.”

Despite self-imposed limits on the size of its current workforce — to keep employees safe during COVID-19 — Ruger was able to increase production 15% from Q2 2020 and 50% from Q3 2019.

Killoy also provided an update on Ruger’s $30 million purchase of Marlin’s firearm assets.

“Customer response to our purchase has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our assertion that the Marlin lineup is an excellent fit for Ruger,” he said. “We anticipate closing on this purchase in Q4 2020 and look forward to reintroducing shooters to Marlin rifles in the second half of 2021.”

Ruger’s Q3 2020 report revealed the estimated sell-through of its products from distributors to retailers increased 50% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the prior year period. Its finished goods inventory remained near historic lows: Distributor inventories of Ruger products decreased 26,700 units, down 31% during the quarter.

/ ruger.com

2021 FICC Scheduled, ATF And FBI To Attend

Orchid LLC and Williams Mullen’s Firearms Industry Group announce the 2021 Firearms Industry Compliance Conference (FICC) with participation from agency personnel from the ATF and the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check (“NICS”) division.

The conference will be held April 26–28 2021, in Orlando, Fla., at the Westgate Lakes Resort. Advance registration is scheduled to open imminently. Attendees may indicate their interest and opine on desired topics using the comment form on the 2021 FICC registration page: orchidadvisors.com/ficc.

Due to the ensuing pandemic and the growth of public interest in online, remote distance learning, Orchid, Williams Mullen and its guest speakers have made arrangements for a combined in-person and distance-learning platform.

“The demand for FFL/SOT licensing, firearm manufacturing and online/in-store consumer sales has spiked. Concurrently, these business activities are being supported by more and more technology that can automate or hinder ATF, import and export compliance, not to mention state-level regulations,” said Shaun Phelan, Orchid VP of sales and marketing. “Orchid and Williams Mullen specialize in firearm law, FFL technology and compliance and are pleased to bring this platform to the shooting sports industry.”

“The firearms industry is constantly evolving with new laws, the increased reliance on e-commerce, the critical need for financing and an increase in venture capital investments — and these factors have increased dramatically in 2020,” said Camden Webb, partner and firearms industry group leader at Williams Mullen. “We’re thrilled to partner with Orchid LLC and to co-host this informative event that will provide attendees with the knowledge they need to navigate the dynamic world of firearms law.”

/ orchidadvisors.com/ficc

Davidson’s Announces LIVE Broadcast Events

Davidson’s is hosting a series of LIVE broadcast events in 2021, with the first airing Jan. 4–8. “LIVE From Davidson’s” will be an ongoing effort to bring the latest news, promotions and industry knowledge to both their dealer network, as well as the Gallery of Guns consumer base.

The initial broadcasts, titled “D-Week Live,” will occur the first week of January and will be exclusively for Davidson’s national FFL dealer network. Following “D-Week Live” will be a regularly scheduled roster of events occurring monthly at a minimum.

“We’ve worked with our vendors for over two years publishing live streaming events,” said Kane Cannedy, Davidson’s VP of purchasing.
“Now we’ve taken steps to be even more flexible and timely and produce events for both our consumers and dealers. Having strong relationships with our manufacturing vendors will also allow us to impart industry knowledge straight from the sources.”

“This is an exciting venture for us and we look forward to connecting to our dealers and Gallery of Guns customers in a more intimate, one-on-one setting that will allow our customers to get inside looks at what we’re doing to ensure their success,” said Mike Massimo, Davidson’s VP of sales.

Dealers, and later consumers, can also expect emails informing them of how to register for these exclusive broadcasts.

/ davidsonsinc.com

/ blog.galleryofguns.com

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