Nighthawk Custom expands gunsmith facility in Berryville
by October 9, 2018 4:30 pm 1,309 views
Berryville-based firearms manufacturer Nighthawk Custom, announced Tuesday (Oct. 9) a $750,000 expansion of its facility in Carroll County.
The investment in a new building and equipment adds to a previous $1.25 million machine shop expansion in 2015.
“We are very thankful for the support of the [Arkansas Economic Development Commission’] team and Gov. Asa Hutchinson,” owner Mark Stone said in a statement. “We love the state of Arkansas and its people. We have been blessed with a group of very talented people who have the gift of old-time craftsmanship and great customer service.
Nighthawk manufactures custom M1911 pistols, revolvers, shotguns and tactical knives for competition shooters, military, law enforcement and self-defense. It employs 52 full-time workers.
“Nighthawk Custom fills a unique niche in the firearms market, and we are excited that this homegrown company has found success in Arkansas,” Gov. Hutchinson said. “This expansion is the next phase of many great things to come for Nighthawk.”
Nighthawk Custom was founded in Arkansas in 2004. Every Nighthawk pistol is made from start to finish by a single gunsmith, according to the company, with all parts fully machined from bar stock steel and fit to each gun by hand. At completion, the gunsmith test fires the pistol and uses a metal stamp to imprint his initials under the left grip panel.
“Nighthawk’s expansion proves that Arkansas has the tools needed for businesses — large and small — to succeed,” AEDC Executive Director Mike Preston said. “The company is establishing itself as a world leader in custom firearms, and we are excited that we can assist them as they continue to grow and expand in their home state.”