Ammunitions manufacturer to locate in Little Rock, hire 85 workers

A 144-year old Italian company with a large North American presence is expanding manufacturing operations in Central Arkansas.

Fiocchi of America, the U.S. subsidiary of Italy-based Fiocchi Group, announced plans Wednesday (July 30) to establish a manufacturing facility in Little Rock. Fiocchi will invest $15 million in the facility located at 2200 145th Street in Little Rock. That property is currently recognized as part of Blackstone Ammunition and Grandeur Fasteners.

Fiocchi will hire 85 skilled employees with plans to further increase its workforce as the facility reaches its full potential.

“We are excited to start this new chapter of Fiocchi’s history here in Arkansas. The plant is a state-of-the-art production facility that will be instrumental in offering our customers premium products and unparalleled service levels,” President and CEO for Fiocchi of America Anthony Acitelli said.

Fiocchi Munizioni was founded in 1876 in Lecco, Italy. Over time, it has grown into an international ammunitions manufacturer that provides quality products for sportsmen, law enforcement, and personal protection.

The company once partnered with Smith & Wesson, but later shed its partnership. In the 1980s, it re-established a physical presence in the U.S. eventually building a manufacturing facility in Ozark, Missouri.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Fiocchi to Arkansas,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “One of my goals as governor has been to increase foreign-direct investment in the state, and this is a great example of what can happen when the state and local partners work together to nurture relationships with current and prospective leaders across the globe. I look forward to watching Fiocchi grow and prosper here.”

The investment is a result of Gov. Hutchinson’s attendance at the SHOT Show, a gun and ammunition manufacturing trade show, held annually. Hutchinson has led the Arkansas delegation to the show for five consecutive years to pursue and welcome growing firearms and ammunition companies to Arkansas. Several companies have expanded their operations in Arkansas in response.

“Fiocchi identified Arkansas as a primary target for its expansion based on the skilled labor of the state, business climate, and geographic location. This investment is a unique opportunity for Fiocchi” said Jared Smith, Fiocchi’s General Manager.

The Fiocchi Group has more than 140 years of manufacturing ammunition experience and 37 years of manufacturing experience in the U.S. Fiocchi of America is headquartered in Ozark, Missouri.

“This investment is a clear sign of Fiocchi’s commitment toward excellence and is a major step in further strengthening the Group’s international leadership position. I would like to thank the team that worked tirelessly to achieve this great result notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic and the related lockdown constraints,” said Maurizio Negro, Fiocchi Group CEO.

“This is a great day for central Arkansas,” said Secretary of Commerce and AEDC Executive Director Mike Preston. “Fiocchi’s decision to locate in Little Rock speaks volumes about the confidence the company has in our workforce and business climate. As we continue to open our economy during these trying times, more companies will find that Arkansas truly is ready for business.”

Incentives for Fiocchi include five years of the Create Rebate and Tax Back programs. The Create Rebate program provides qualified businesses a financial incentive equal to 3.9% to 5% of the annual payroll of new full-time permanent employees. The Tax Back program provides sales and use tax refunds on the purchase of building materials and taxable machinery and equipment to qualified businesses. The total incentive package from the state is $661,593, according to Commerce officials.