ACROSS THE POND
INDUSTRY CELEBRATES TRUMP’S ELECTION WIN
The US firearms industry is celebrating Donald Trump’s re-election, which many see as a victory for Second Amendment rights. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) credited gun owners, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts for their voter turnout.
Through its #GUNVOTE initiative, NSSF focused on registering gun owners and hunters, engaging communities in swing states, and promoting a pro-Second Amendment stance. Since 2020, there have been over 22 million first-time gun owners in the US, along with millions of unregistered hunters, who became part of a significant voting bloc in this election. Trump’s win in the popular and electoral votes is viewed as a mandate for defending the Second Amendment.
ORVIS ANNOUNCES LAYOFFS AND STORE CLOSURES
Iconic retailer Orvis is restructuring, announcing plans to lay off 8% of its workforce, close some stores, and discontinue its longstanding catalogue. The company’s President, Simon Perkins, called these actions necessary to address “new challenges” in the modern retail landscape. With a 170year history, Orvis has faced several cycles of transformation. Affected employees will receive two months of full pay, health insurance, severance, and job transition services. This restructuring is part of the brand’s effort to streamline operations and focus on products that resonate with today’s consumers.
SHOT SHOW TO ADDRESS EXPORT/IMPORT COMPLIANCE FOR FIREARMS INDUSTRY
At the upcoming SHOT Show, the firearms industry will be offered a series of sessions to address export and import compliance, critical issues as global regulations evolve. Experts from the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI), and compliance specialist Kim Pritula will present updated guidance. Each session costs $75 and is designed to help businesses stay current with new regulations, including recent changes under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Key topics include export licensing, documentation through the DDTC and BIS systems, and practical compliance tips. These workshops will be particularly valuable for those responsible for international transactions, and the sessions provide a cost-effective way to understand and implement regulatory requirements that protect business operations from compliance risks.
LUTH-AR ACQUIRES ACRO MACHINE
Luth-AR, a prominent firearms manufacturer, has acquired ACRO Machine Inc., a Minnesota-based barrel manufacturing firm, expanding its in-house production capabilities. This acquisition follows a 23-year partnership with ACRO, during which ACRO provided barrel machining services for Luth-AR and D.P.M.S., Inc. The acquisition includes CNC machines, proprietary designs, and other manufacturing assets that will allow Luth-AR to innovate in new product lines. The company intends to offer a wider selection of barrel calibres, contours, and specialty coatings, underscoring its commitment to quality and innovation in barrel production.
BARRETT NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF U.S. GOVERNMENT SALES
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing has appointed Cameron Fraser as its new Director of US Government Sales. With a 20-year career in defence, including roles within the Australian Army and US Army, Fraser brings expertise in defence partnerships and project management. Barrett’s CEO, Bryan James, expressed confidence that Fraser will uphold Barrett’s high standards in precision manufacturing and support for government clients. Fraser, who holds a Bachelor of Science and three Master’s degrees, will represent Barrett at the upcoming Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and looks forward to contributing to Barrett’s vision.
ASIA
SIG SAUER AND NIBE DEFENCE ANNOUNCE JOINT VENTURE IN INDIA
Sig Sauer has partnered with Nibe Defence and Aerospace Limited to enhance small arms and ammunition manufacturing in India. The collaboration aligns with the Indian Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to the region while expanding Sig Sauer’s role as a key defence provider.
Ron Cohen, president of Sig Sauer, commented: “Sig Sauer is meeting the increased international demand for our products by solidifying key partnerships across the globe. This important new alliance in India serves to meet that demand in one of the most significant regions for growth in the coming decades. The joint venture with Nibe Defence gives Sig an expanded presence, greater customer engagement, and new collaboration opportunities to meet India’s growing needs.”
The partnership was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 6 November 2024 in Pune, India, attended by representatives from Sig Sauer, Nibe Defence, and the chief of defence staff of the Indian Armed Forces.
Aimed at bolstering India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities, the joint venture will strengthen the country’s defence sector as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This follows Sig Sauer’s successful 2019 contract with the Indian Ministry of Defence for 72,400 SIG716 rifles, which saw positive feedback and led to a subsequent award for an additional 73,000 rifles.
“Nibe Defence is a proven leader in India’s defence sector,” Cohen added. “This partnership reinforces our commitment to being the primary provider for India’s defence needs.”
MAINLAND EUROPE
CZECHOSLOVAK GROUP EXPANDS AMMUNITION PRODUCTION
The Czechoslovak Group (CSG) has announced the acquisition of a nitrocellulose production facility in Lower Saxony, Germany, as part of its effort to expand ammunition production capabilities. Nitrocellulose, a key ingredient in ammunition, is critical to Europe’s defence industry, yet there is a reliance on non-EU suppliers. CSG Chairman Michal Strnad highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition, especially in addressing shortages of large-calibre ammunition. With this purchase, CSG aims to establish a vertically integrated supply chain, from raw materials to finished products, which will strengthen Europe’s defence sector. Over 350 employees will transition to CSG’s workforce, and the acquisition is expected to close by mid2025, underscoring CSG’s commitment to supporting European defence with locally produced materials.