Fiocchi, a global leader in defensive, target, and hunting ammunition, has selected a 281-acre site in the Port of Little Rock, Arkansas for an ammunition primer manufacturing facility, expanding its operations presence in Little Rock. This facility will join 5 other primer manufacturing operations in the US and will be the only one that is dedicated as a lead-free primer plant.
The company hopes the facility will give much-needed relief to the primer supply shortage in the ammunition manufacturing market and will be worth an estimated $41.5 million. Fiocchi evaluated other possible locations for the expansion but chose Little Rock due to its logistical infrastructure, workforce capability, and support from state and local leadership, among other factors.
The announcement of the facility in Little Rock seems to be a part of Fiocchi’s bigger plans after the acquisition of a division of Grandeur Fasteners in Little Rock last year, which may have helped pave the way for the primer manufacturing facility in the same area.
Additionally, Fiocchi is the technology leader in lead-free and heavy-metal-free primers and is currently the only manufacturer of lead-free primers to receive the NATO qualification. The drive for Fiocchi’s vertical integration strategy will allow the company to meet primer needs while being able to focus on lowering impacts environmentally.
“Our focus on Little Rock for this major expansion comes from an ideal alignment of several considerations,” said Fiocchi of America President and CEO Anthony Acitelli. “Aside from our strong ties with the state and local governments, Arkansas has a highly experienced and energetic labor force to call upon. Furthermore, streamlined logistics with other plant operations combined with management and supply chain efficiencies make Little Rock a logical choice. We will also benefit from logistical synergies with our ammo manufacturing industry partners.”
“Today I am pleased to celebrate Fiocchi’s growth, which is also a demonstration of the continued expansion of the firearms and ammunition industry in our state,” Governor Asa Hutchinson said. “Over the past several years, my team and I have had the opportunity to build a relationship with Fiocchi—meeting with Fiocchi leadership during our visits to the SHOT Show, which is the industry’s leading trade show, and even during my most recent trade mission to Europe. Fiocchi’s decision to grow in Arkansas speaks to the significance of maintaining the business-friendly climate that Arkansas is becoming so well known for.”
“Fiocchi is another wonderful example of direct investment in Little Rock and the 120 jobs created will have a lasting impact in our community,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. “Fiocchi had multiple options for this expansion, and we are thankful for their investment in Little Rock.”
Fiocchi is set to begin construction next year and hopes to have the plant up and running by early 2025.
