Add Kimber Mfg., Inc. to the list of firearm makers that have either moved or expanded operations to the south, as it has announced that it has finalized plans to expand into Alabama. Operations will begin in early 2019, with a new design engineering and manufacturing facility in the city of Troy.
Citing Kimber’s rapid growth in its 21-year history with locations in the New York metro area and Montana, company officials say the new Troy facility will double Kimber’s manufacturing capacity.
“Due to an unprecedented year-over-year growth in demand, every time the company has embarked upon a planned expansion, the newly created capacity is exhausted before the expansion is complete,” said James Cox, Kimber’s chief financial officer. “As we continue to move into uncharted waters in regards to Kimber product demand, it was important to us to build a facility that will allow us to secure a significant new plateau of capacity.”
Kimber’s President and Chief Executive Officer Leslie Edelman said, “We are pleased with the impressive track record that Alabama has with attracting and retaining world-class manufacturing companies,” adding that growing the company intelligently depends significantly on being in the right manufacturing environment. “… In Troy, we have a community dedicated to our long-term success."
Greg Grogan, Kimber’s chief operating officer said that Troy offers a passionate workforce, affordable utility costs, a pro-business environment, experienced local training support, and long-term incentives from the state of Alabama and the city of Troy. “This expansion, in conjunction with our existing manufacturing facilities, talented and experienced employees, and best-in-class products provides for exciting times here at Kimber,” he said.
City of Troy Mayor Jason Reeves called the move “a dream come true.”
For more, visit KimberAmerica.com.
Additional Reading:
A Look Inside Kimber
Firearm Manufacturing Moves South
Video: Gun Makers Move South
