Arkansas officials announced last week that SIG Sauer is moving forward with an expansion that will add hundreds of new jobs to its ammunition factory in Jacksonville. 

SIG will invest $150 million to expand its current facility and construct a new 250,000 sq. ft. building. The company will be growing its component hybrid case manufacturing, primer manufacturing, and load/pack operations to support multiple Pentagon contracts. Importantly, SIG is currently the sole source for the Army's new 6.8mm ammunition series, which was developed by SIG and the service for use in the new Next Generation Squad Weapon series of small arms. 

"Here in Arkansas, we love welcoming business expansions almost as much as we love defending the Second Amendment. SIG Sauer’s expansion to their facility in Jacksonville does both, creating jobs and reaffirming Arkansans’ right to keep and bear arms,” said Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R). "I’m proud this company chose Arkansas to plant its roots, and I’ll keep cutting taxes, investing in education, and growing our workforce to invite even more jobs and businesses to the Natural State." 

SIG first established operations in Arkansas in 2016 when it relocated its nascent ammunition works from Eubank, Kentucky. In 2021, the company expanded its facility, investing over $12 million in the plant and growing the staff to 260. 

“We are incredibly excited about expanding our ammunition operations here in Jacksonville and building upon years of success in Arkansas," said Ron Cohen, SIG's President and CEO. "This opportunity has proven itself essential to the growth and sustainment of our ammunition business, and further enforces our commitment to the Arkansas community and workforce."
 

Arkansas: Gun State

The Natural State is proving to become a hub for the firearms industry. In 2020, the governor welcomed a planned $15 million facility in Little Rock from ammo maker Fiocchi, bringing 85 jobs to the state. 

In 2019, it was announced that legendary Czech gunmaker CZ would open a 65,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, to be completed on approximately 73 acres at the Port of Little Rock. It 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 Vista Outdoors has recently taken over Remington's 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, German firearm icon Walther is building pistols in Fort Smith.

Banner image: Loading up SIG 6.5CM ammo at SIG's Freedom Days event (Photo: Chris Eger)