SWORD International Inc., a Nevada-based manufacturer of small arms and defense equipment, may not yet have the brand recognition of Smith & Wesson and Remington, but the company does what some of the more well-known have made and piloted its head office. to the southeast – this time to Greenville.
The manufacturer, which serves the military, police and civilian market, is investing $ 9.5 million in a new 44,000 square foot facility at 231 Beverly Road, according to a press release.
The layout of the manufacturing and distribution space is expected to be completed by January and is expected to create 55 jobs.
“SWORD International is extremely pleased to join the community of Greenville as we expand our operations to support our military and law enforcement,” said Jason Hamilton, vice president of SWORD International, in the press release. “Several locations were considered during this project, but the community and culture of Greenville made our decision easier.
Launched in California in 2010 by U.S. Army special operations veterans and manufacturing experts, the team was drawn to South Carolina and Greenville because of the city’s proximity to key customers, its advanced manufacturing capabilities, strong supply chain and quality of life, Hamilton said.
SWORD International – which stands for Special Warfare Operations Research and Development International – focuses on the development and production of specialized combatant solutions for several divisions of the United States Armed Forces and for law enforcement teams across the country.
“We must ensure that the US military and the first responders on the ground who risk their lives every day have access to the same advanced manufacturing techniques, materials and coatings that are enjoyed by aerospace and other complex military-industrial industries.” Founder and Chairman Jeremy A. Elrod said in a letter posted on the company’s website. “If we as a nation can develop a multi-billion dollar fighter jet every five years or so, then why do we continue to provide a 45 year old weapon system to our individual fighters?” “
Products include delivery solutions, robotics, accessories and firearms ranging from MK-18 semi-automatic rifles to MK-15 rifles, to lightweight short-barreled shotguns. The company holds several patents for specialized products.
The move to the new facility is expected to improve and speed up production, testing capabilities and distribution. The new operations will allow for faster innovation, rapid prototyping, optimal product evaluation and faster customer response, according to the company.
“The company’s expertise in developing state-of-the-art weaponry and supplies for the US military and law enforcement is extremely important, and its passion for being good citizens of the community and of providing long-term career paths for veterans and other citizens fits well here, ”said Greenville County Council Chairman. Willis Meadows said in the statement. “We wish SWORD great success. “
The Economic Development Coordination Council has approved job development credits related to this project.
“The South Carolina team is proud of our business community established by veterans and companies that serve our armed forces,” Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III said in a press release. “We proudly welcome SWORD International to Greenville County and look forward to their success. “
SWORD International is not the only arms manufacturer looking to the South East. Gunmaker Smith & Wesson has made Massachusetts home since 1852, but that will change soon, the company said earlier this fall.
Following the proposed law banning the manufacture of certain firearms in the state, Smith & Wesson decided to relocate its 750-employee headquarters to Maryville, Tenn., In 2023 and its shutter facilities in the Connecticut and Missouri.
“It was an extremely difficult and emotional decision for us, but after a thorough and thorough analysis, for the continued health and strength of our iconic company, we believe that we have no other alternative,” Mark Smith, president and CEO of Smith and Wesson, said in the press release.
Remington Arms also plans to move its global headquarters, state-of-the-art manufacturing base and research and development center to LaGrange, Ga., According to a Nov. 8 announcement.
The 205-year-old company cited Georgia’s favorable business climate – particularly towards the firearms industry – and economic development incentives as one of the reasons for the transition from its original base to Ilion, New York.
Contact Molly Hulsey at 864-720-1223.
