In Georgia, Tradition, Innovation Create Ideal Home for Firearm Manufacturers
From the mountains and foothills to the marshes and coast, Georgia’s spacious fields and woods offer an abundance of hunting, perfect for a population full of hunting enthusiasts. Whether the target is large or small game, 125 wildlife areas and more than 13 million acres of land are available for hunting, and the state welcomes more than 640,000 hunters each year. Combine a tradition of hunting with a skilled workforce, business-friendly climate, and firearms friendly legislation, and it is easy to see why many leading defense and firearms manufacturers are choosing Georgia.
In the last five years, 13 firearms-related companies have relocated or expanded in the state, investing $213 million and creating 2,175 jobs.
In November 2021, Remington Firearms announced that along with its global headquarters, a new advanced manufacturing facility and a research and development center would locate in LaGrange. In September 2022, Beretta Holding S.A., through its subsidiary Norma Precision Inc., announced plans to expand its footprint in Georgia and build a new manufacturing, assembly, and distribution facility in Bryan County. The $60 million project will create 600 new jobs for which the company is already hiring. Norma Precision will continue to develop and produce high-end ammunition to serve key markets in the hunting, sporting goods, optics, military, and law enforcement sectors.
In Georgia, these companies join Check-Mate Industries, Taurus USA, Glock, Heckler & Koch, Daniel Defense, and more than 80 small and medium-sized enterprises scattered throughout the state. These companies and their suppliers generated $1.5 billion in economic impact in 2020,and the National Shooting Sports Foundation named Georgia one of the top 10 states for gun manufacturing.
Since 2014, Area Development magazine has ranked Georgia as a top state for business. Companies are attracted to Georgia’s workforce of 5.3 million people that represent all levels of experience, education, and diversity – including a large veteran population with a highly sought-after transferable skill set. Defense companies in Georgia benefit from a significant military workforce of over 120,000; including the National Guard, Reserves, and APF DOD civilians.
A robust manufacturing industry across multiple sectors keeps Georgia on the forefront of latest manufacturing practices, ideal for companies looking to keep up with changing demands. Georgia’s advanced higher education system of universities and technical colleges help innovative, high-growth companies solve problems and remain competitive. The Georgia Center of Innovation, a division of Georgia Department of Economic Development, works with manufacturers of all sizes to address business challenges and opportunities as well as develop new products or processes.
Georgia is a steadfast defender and supporter of the Second Amendment, and firearms manufacturers find an avid fan base in the state. There is no waiting period for firearm purchases, and handgun registration is not required. Private sales of firearms between citizens are legal and do not require background checks. In April 2022, Governor Kemp signed a “Constitutional Carry” bill allowing residents to carry handguns in public without a license or background check. This week, representatives from the state will attend at the NSSF’s annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show), the premier trade show for professionals involved with the shooting
sports, hunting, and law enforcement communities from around the world. Firearms manufacturers and suppliers will find a welcome home to grow their business and find success in Georgia. To learn more, visit georgia.org/GAFirearms.
--Posted January, 2023