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ACROSS THE POND
WATCHTOWER FIREARMS SECURES COURT APPROVAL FOR RESTRUCTURING FUNDS
Watchtower Firearms has received final approval from the United States Bankruptcy Court for a debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing arrangement, aimed at providing stability during its Chapter 11 restructuring. The funding will allow the Texas-based company to maintain manufacturing, procurement, and customer service operations while it evaluates strategic options for long-term growth.
“This is a decisive step to reposition the company,” said founder and CEO Jason Colosky. “We remain committed to quality, transparency, and operational continuity.”
Watchtower, a veteran-owned firm based in Spring, Texas, produces precision rifles and tactical firearms for the civilian, military, and law enforcement markets. The company stated that production targets and order fulfilment will continue as planned during the restructuring process.
W: www.watchtowerfirearms.com
US HUNTING AND SHOOTING MARKET TOPS $20 BILLION
Southwick Associates has released its 2024 Hunting & Shooting Equipment Retail Market Size Report, estimating the US market’s retail value at more than $20 billion. The report indicates that consumer purchases remained strong throughout 2024, with most product categories exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
“Retail shelves were stocked, and inflation remained moderate, boosting consumer confidence,” said Nancy Bacon, Vice President at Southwick Associates.
The report includes unit and dollar sales for over 80 different product types, with breakdowns by attributes such as action type and primary use. Broader expenses like travel and real estate are excluded. The firm has also launched ‘Market Pulse’ - a quarterly update service which tracks ongoing market performance.
W: www.southwickassociates.com
NSSF NAMES LISA DAVIS AS VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has appointed Lisa Davis as Vice President of Human Resources, following the retirement of Deb Kenney after 29 years of service. Davis brings over 25 years of HR leadership, including recent experience at Gwynedd Manufacturing, parent company of Geissele Automatics.
“Lisa’s experience will be a valuable asset to the NSSF and the wider industry,” said NSSF president and CEO Joe Bartozzi. “We thank Deb for her immense contribution to building a strong, capable team.”
Founded in 1961, the NSSF represents manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and ranges throughout the US. Its mission is to promote, protect, and preserve hunting and shooting sports.
W: www.nssf.org
RUGER ACQUIRES ANDERSON MANUFACTURING ASSETS TO BOOST US CAPACITY
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has completed the asset purchase of Anderson Manufacturing, a Kentucky-based firearms producer. The acquisition includes Anderson’s facility and equipment, offering Ruger an increased production capacity and workforce expertise aligned with its core business.
“This strengthens our long-term strategy,” said Ruger president and CEO Todd Seyfert. “We’re excited to welcome the team from Anderson and leverage their capabilities to better serve our customers.”
Ruger confirmed that it will discontinue the Anderson brand, instead using the acquired infrastructure to support the expansion of Ruger’s firearms and accessories lines. The move reinforces Ruger’s commitment to US manufacturing and its focus on innovation and growth.
W: www.ruger.com
MAINLAND EUROPE
POLAND COMMITS €565.9 MILLION TO EXPAND AMMUNITION PRODUCTION
The Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) will receive PLN 2.4 billion (€565.9 million) in government funding to expand its ammunition manufacturing capacity. The investment, delivered via the Capital Investment Fund, supports the construction of new production lines and facilities across four PGZ subsidiaries.
“This funding will enable annual output of up to 180,000 large-calibre rounds, up from the current 20,000,” said Minister of State Assets Jakub Jaworowski. The focus will be on 155 mm calibre ammunition, a strategic priority for NATO-aligned forces amid the continuing war in Ukraine.
Funding will support PGZ companies Dezamet, Mesko, Nitro-Chem, and Gamrat, with production under the initiative expected to begin by late 2027. PGZ currently operates five ammunition plants across Poland and is central to the government’s plan to achieve self-sufficiency in key munitions types within three years.
The legislative groundwork was established in December 2024 when a law was passed allocating PLN 3 billion to the Capital Investment Fund to back state and private sector defense projects. PGZ’s full allocation was confirmed at the end of June, following approval of four successful applications.
W: www.grupapgz.pl
ASIA
INDIA APPROVES $12.6 BILLION IN DOMESTIC DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS
India’s Defence Acquisition Council has approved ten major procurement programs worth $12.6 billion under its Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category. The acquisitions aim to enhance readiness across land, sea, and air domains while supporting indigenous manufacturing.
New equipment will include armoured recovery vehicles, electronic warfare systems, moored mines, mine countermeasure vessels, and rapid-fire naval gun systems.
Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was also granted for autonomous underwater vessels and integrated inventory systems.
The Ministry of Defence stated the acquisitions would increase mobility, bolster air defense, and improve logistics management across the tri-services. The announcement follows emergency procurement contracts totalling $240 million in June, aimed at quickly addressing security needs through fast-tracked acquisitions of drones, air defense systems, night optics, and fighting vehicles.
India continues to position itself as a defense manufacturing hub, with a clear emphasis on reducing reliance on imports and building domestic capability.