IWI US officials, along with Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, announced on Sept. 22 that the gun maker is relocating its headquarters and all major operations from Pennsylvania to Tennessee. The company will invest $15.7 million in its new Andersonville, TN, facility, creating 72 new jobs. The expansion will allow the firm to increase manufacturing capacity and expand its ability to design and develop new firearm technology.
“Our relocation to Andersonville, TN, represents a strategic investment in the future of our company, the firearms industry and the local community,” said Casey Flack, IWI US CEO. “This move enables us to expand our operations, enhance production capabilities and create new opportunities for growth and collaboration. As we establish our presence in Andersonville, we remain firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and innovation while becoming an engaged and supportive member of the local community.”
IWI US, a division of Israel Weapons Industries—based in Israel—was founded in 2012. It specializes in manufacturing firearms for the commercial, law enforcement and government markets. In 2013 the company rolled out its first stateside introduction, the Tavor SAR based on the bullpup Israeli Defense Forces began fielding in 2001.
The demand was instant. “…I found it as easy to shoot as an AR, and perhaps more instinctive, because one must form a tight unit with the compact rifle,” Shooting Illustrated Editor-in-Chief Ed Friedman wrote in his review of the gun. “I plan to buy my test sample and shoot it often, because the Tavor SAR is one of the most exciting guns on the market. More importantly, it has a real role to play in any defensive plan.”
Since then ,the company has introduced a variety of new firearms, each welcomed eagerly by stateside enthusiasts. In 2017 the company’s Tavor X95 won Shooting Illustrated’s Rifle of the Year Golden Bullseye.
“Tennessee is leading the nation as the best place to live, work, and raise a family, and I’m proud to announce that IWI US has chosen to relocate its operations to the Volunteer State,” Gov. Lee said. “When a company chooses to do business in Tennessee, it’s a vote of confidence in our strong business climate and skilled workforce. We welcome IWI US, and I look forward to their continued success.”
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