INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Gun Trade Insider offers a detailed examination of the latest developments across various international markets.

ACROSS THE POND

DANIEL DEFENSE APPOINTS NEW COO

Daniel Defense has appointed James Baltzegar as its new chief operating officer (COO). Baltzegar brings significant experience in operations leadership, lean manufacturing and business transformation from roles at Aramark, WestRock and other major organisations. As a Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, he has achieved substantial cost savings and performance improvements throughout his career.

In his new role, Baltzegar will oversee manufacturing processes, supply chain systems and customer service, focusing on enhancing product delivery and internal systems. Daniel Defense praised his commitment to servant leadership and continuous improvement. The Georgia-based firearms manufacturer sees his appointment as reinforcing its dedication to integrity, innovation and customer-focused performance.

HENRY REPEATING ARMS MOVES OPERATIONS TO WISCONSIN

Henry Repeating Arms will consolidate all manufacturing operations in Wisconsin, closing its Bayonne, New Jersey, site and expanding its facilities in Rice Lake and Ladysmith. The move aims to streamline production, increase capacity and foster collaboration across design and engineering teams.

Anthony Imperato, founder and CEO, said the consolidation would make operations more efficient and support Henry’s focus on quality. President Andrew Wickstrom added that the move would reinforce Henry’s commitment to American manufacturing.

FIOCCHI OF AMERICA NAMES TODD RUFF AS DIRECTOR OF SALES

Fiocchi of America has appointed Todd Ruff as director of sales. Ruff brings experience in the shooting sports and outdoor industries, with a focus on sales leadership and customer engagement. He will oversee Fiocchi’s US sales strategy, aiming to strengthen customer relationships and support the company’s growth.

Chris Tinkle, Vice President of Sales, welcomed Ruff to the team, noting his expertise in expanding market presence. Ruff expressed enthusiasm for joining the company, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining Fiocchi’s reputation for quality ammunition.

SAAMI WELCOMES MIGRA AMMUNITIONS AND FIERCE FIREARMS

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, Inc. (SAAMI) has announced that Migra Ammunitions and Fierce Firearms have joined as supporting members. Migra Ammunitions is a manufacturer of shotshell ammunition headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, while Fierce Firearms manufactures firearms and ammunition and is based in Redmond, Utah.

As supporting members, Migra Ammunitions and Fierce Firearms will have full access to SAAMI firearms and ammunition technical standards, as well as assessments from SAAMI’s reference ammunition program. This status also signals to their customers that they support SAAMI’s work to enhance industry safety and standards across the shooting sports.

DOWN UNDER

WA Government adopts phased approach to gun laws The Western Australian government will allow more time for gun owners to comply with new laws, which recently came into effect. While rapid-release action guns must be surrendered immediately, licensing for other firearms will be phased in over 12 months.

Police Minister Reece Whitby reiterated the government’s commitment to a transitional approach following confusion among gun owners. WA Police confirmed the creation of a dedicated transition team to support licence holders.

The new regulations have raised concerns among conservation groups and farmers regarding pest control. Heather Adams of the Oyster Harbour Catchment Group and farmer Mark Flannagan expressed worries about the impact on feral animal management.

WA Police Commander Lawrence Panaia clarified that a transitional period was always part of the rollout plan, given the complexity of transitioning 80,000 licence holders to the new system. The government will continue consulting with firearm owners as the process unfolds.

MAINLAND EUROPE

BPI OUTDOORS FRANCE TO DISTRIBUTE NAMMO BRANDS

BPI Outdoors France has become the official distributor for Nammo’s commercial ammunition brands – Lapua, SK, Vihtavuori and Berger – in France. The partnership expands BPI’s portfolio, combining Nammo’s premium ammunition with BPI’s existing rifle distribution.

Jarkko Aro, vice president of sales and marketing at Nammo, expressed confidence that BPI’s market strategy would help reach a wider audience. Guillermo Martinez, BPI’s international sales director, noted the synergy between the brands and BPI’s existing offerings.