Fiocchi to Expand U.S. Ammo Operations with New Arkansas Plant

Missouri-based ammo maker Fiocchi of America on Wednesday announced they will open a new manufacturing plant in Arkansas, bringing 85 jobs to the state. 

The planned $15 million facility in Little Rock is intended to establish a fully independent industrial platform in the U.S. for the Italian company's standalone American subsidiary. Fiocchi already employs over 100 workers in the hills of the Ozarks in Missouri and has been making ammo in the States over nearly four decades. Company officials paint the new plant as key to boosting the ammo maker’s growth

“We are excited to start this new chapter of Fiocchi’s history here in Arkansas," said Anthony Acitelli, president and CEO of Fiocchi of America. "The plant is a state-of-the-art production facility that will be instrumental in offering our customers premium products and unparalleled service levels." 

Founded in 1876, Fiocchi produces both small-caliber ammunition and components and has built a reputation that has seen more than 15 Olympic titles in biathlon, trap, and double trap, as well as numerous world and national shooting sports titles. Today, the company produces loads for a wide array of hunting, recreation, home security, 3-Gun, law enforcement, and cowboy action shooting passions. With over 60 caliber options in their catalog from .17 HMR to .45-70 Government, Fiocchi is also one of the only companies that produce factory-fresh cartridges for legacy collectibles in calibers such as 7.63mm Mauser, 8mm Gasser, and 9mm Flobert. 

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a two-term Republican and frequent SHOT Show visitor who has strongly courted gun companies to move to the Natural State, greeted Fiocchi with open arms in a press conference this week. 

"It is with great pleasure that we welcome Fiocchi to Arkansas,” Hutchinson said. "One of my goals as governor has been to increase foreign-direct investment in the state, and this is a great example of what can happen when the state and local partners work together to nurture relationships with current and prospective leaders across the globe. I look forward to watching Fiocchi grow and prosper here."

Last year, Hutchinson announced that legendary Czech gunmaker CZ would open a 65,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, to be completed on approximately 73 acres at the Port of Little Rock, that is expected to yield as many as 565 jobs in two phases as part of a $90 million investment from the company.

Arkansas currently serves as home to Nighthawk Custom and Wilson Combat while Remington has a large ammo plant in Lonoke. In 2013, Thermold Magazines announced it would shift its headquarters and manufacturing operation from North Carolina to the state. Likewise, Sig Sauer has its ammo plant in Arkansas. Meanwhile, German firearm icon Walther is building pistols in Fort Smith.