Fear & Loading: Gunwerks Breaks Ground in Cody, Wyo.

by
posted on April 3, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gunwerks_id_2018.jpg

Gunwerks broke ground for its new Cody, Wyo., facility late last month. The 44,396 square-foot building on five acres is slated for completion in February of 2020, and will provide much-needed manufacturing, warehouse and office space for the growing company.

“We’re practically bursting at the seams,” said Gunwerks CEO Aaron Davidson. “Our team has tripled over the last two years and we’ve been forced to split our workforce between several locations to provide space for everyone. This new building will be an amazing resource for our growth, enabling us to put our employees in one facility to encourage collaboration and improve operational efficiencies to continue our grow our business and our brand.”


Image from Gunwerks' Facebook page.

More than 60 Gunwerks employees and family members were on hand for the event, as well as numerous local and state officials who are involved in the project. The $5.45 million facility is being funded by loans and grants secured through an organization dedicated to attracting businesses and jobs to the area and the Wyoming Business Council.

Gunwerks has committed to doubling its staff by 2025, according to the Gillette News Record. The Wyoming Business Council explains, “The proposedbuilding will be deeded to Forward Cody, a local economic development organization, and leased to Gunwerks.”

“We're excited, after a long planning process, to be on the cusp of building something that has been a priority target for Forward Cody for many years,” said James Klessens, Forward Cody CEO. “We're excited to get this project in the ground and for the benefits it will bring to the Cody community.”

Gunwerks was established in Burlington, Wyo., in 2007 and entered Forward Cody’s light-manufacturing incubator—an approach used by many communities to nurture small business growth and employment—in 2016. The company specializes in premium long-range hunting rifles, optics, shooting systems, training and components.

Latest

jammed cartridge in chamber
jammed cartridge in chamber

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.