A firearms manufacturer is moving its headquarters from Pennsylvania to Tennessee.
IWI US, Inc. announced on Monday that it will be relocating to Andersonville. With this move, the company will invest nearly $16 million and create 72 new jobs.
The company, founded in 2012, stated this move will enable it to enhance its manufacturing capacity and increase its capability to design and develop new firearms technology, according to a state government press release. IWI US, Inc. specializes in making firearms for commercial, law enforcement, and government markets, the press release notes.
As a company, it is a member of the SK Group, which is owned by the Israeli businessman Samy Katsav, who also owns Israel Weapons Industries Ltd, Israel Shipyards Ltd., and others.
Casey Flack, the company’s CEO, said its relocation to Andersonville is a “strategic investment in the future of our company, the firearms industry, and the local community.”
IWI US, Inc.’s move allows the company to “expand our operations, enhance production capabilities and create new opportunities for growth and collaboration,” the CEO noted.
Flack stated IWI US, Inc. is “committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and innovation while becoming an engaged and supportive member of the local community.”
When a company chooses to move to Tennessee, it is a vote of confidence for the state’s “strong business climate and skilled workforce,” Governor Bill Lee explained.
He welcomed IWI US, Inc. to the Volunteer State and said he looked forward to its “continued success.”
Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank said she awaits a “great partnership” between the county and the IWI US, Inc. She added that she is “thankful for the quality jobs this company is bringing to the people of our county.”
According to the state Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, Tennessee stands ready to “support” the company’s efforts to “develop, design, and deliver its advanced products from right here in Tennessee.”
“Companies that choose to grow in Tennessee help tell the story of our state’s success. IWI US’s decision to relocate its operations here reinforces what we already know – Tennessee is the premier place to do business,” he stated.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network. Email tips to Zachery at [email protected].
I wonder if there was a government funded financial incentive to entice this company to move its headquarters to Tennessee. If so, what is the cost per job if all 72 jobs are created? BTW the forecast number of jobs put out for public consumption often never happens.