One of the biggest names in the suppressor game is set to acquire one of the best-known players in the high-performance pistol and rifle space.
Utah-based SilencerCo announced last week that it will close a deal to pick up ZEV Technologies. According to a statement from the suppressor, receiver, and muzzle device maker, SilencerCo plans to bring "renewed focus to the Zev Technologies brand as Zev shifts away from its OEM operations while maintaining its headquarters in Centralia, Washington."
ZEV was founded in Oxnard, California in 2006, primarily as a maker of high-quality aftermarket Glock parts, then moved to Centralia, Washington a decade later and took the logical step to begin producing all-up firearms, making 2,172 guns of all types in 2017.
According to the latest statistics from federal regulators, in 2022 Zev Tech produced 15,046 pistols and 3,630 miscellaneous firearms – the latter category a catch-all that includes receivers. The company also had marked success when it came to exporting firearms, sending some 2,492 handguns and 510 rifles overseas in 2022 alone.
Zev's catalog includes the well-liked OZ9 Pistol – a gun chosen to equip the Department of Energy's nuclear material escorts – and the company has been working with Magpul to create the highly-anticipated Folding Defensive Pistol (FDP-9) and the Folding Defensive Carbine (FDC-9). SilencerCo plans to keep that program very much alive.
"We are very happy to align ourselves with such an innovative company as Zev Technologies,” said Jonathon Shults, SilencerCo CEO. "We look forward to the launch of the FDP-9/FDC-9 in conjunction with Magpul and anticipate that product launch taking place later this year."
"Our team is excited for the future of Zev under this new acquisition,” said Taylor Goode, Zev Technologies President. "We look forward to working closely with SilencerCo to enhance both of our brands and product lines."
