Umarex formally opens new $9.7 million plant at Chaffee Crossing

story and photos by Roy Hill

Umarex USA, a major importer of air guns and firearms, marked the grand opening of its new 117,000-square-foot facility at Chaffee Crossing with a ‘ribbon shooting’ on Wednesday (Oct. 13).

Adam Blalock, Umarex USA president and CEO, spoke about the importance of selecting the right people during Umarex’s growth into the new building.

“We chose Fort Smith for the people,” said Blalock. “for the work ethic, the integrity, because of the excitement for opportunity here.”

Umarex USA has headquartered in Fort Smith for the last five years and during that time, grew enough for the company to build the new facility at a price of $9.7 million. Umarex employs 40 workers, but plans to expand to 120 during the next three years.

Umarex supplies air guns and firearms to large national retail chains like Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports, Cabelas, and Kmart, as well as smaller local retailers like Gellco and The Tackle Box.

Two-thirds of the new facility is dedicated warehouse space, with the remaining one-third slated for Umarex to develop its own manufacturing capabilities in the future.

“We’re looking at several options,” said Umarex Marketing Manager Justin Biddle. “It’ll just take a little time.”

The larger facility has already attracted new business partners to Umarex USA.

“Since we’ve moved in, we’ve become the importer for the Regent 1911 .45 ACP, made in Turkey,” said Biddle. “We just got our first shipment of them. … We’ve got 2,400 of them right now.”

The Regent is a entry-level 1911 pistol, with an MSRP around $500.

Several speakers highlighted the opening ceremony, including local officials, candidates, and a representative of the PW Group, the major Umarex USA shareholder from Germany.

Rogers Mayor and 3rd District Congressional candidate Steve Womack pointed to the new facility and company expansion as a positive sign in hard economic times.

“This signals hope in what everybody believes is an uncertain economy.” said Womack. “This is special not only in terms of job creation, but it’s a sign that there is still opportunity for good business strategies to work, despite the difficult economic climate. I’m green with envy as a mayor of a competing city, to see the groundwork laid for such a strong foundation for economic growth.”

Ivy Owen, executive director of the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, looked forward to the new Mitsubishi factory going up across the road from the new Umarex building.

“We’ve established a neighborhood here,” said Owen. “You come out here and see this fantastic building, and the other facilities out here, and it’s right here in Fort Smith. You’ve heard about job losses, but this is some job creation here. This grand opening comes right on the heels of the Mitsubishi groundbreaking.”

Rob Ratley, chairman of the Economic Development Division of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, hailed the expansion of an existing Fort Smith business.

“This type of thing is priority number one for our Business Retention and Expansion initiative. About 80 percent of economic growth comes from existing business expansion. We’re very excited about having recruited Mitsubishi and Mars out here, but it’s great to help take care of a business that’s been with us since day one,” Ratley explained.

Martin Wonisch traveled from Germany to read a letter on behalf of the majority ownership group of Wulf Heinz Pflaumer, Eyck Pflaumer, Franz Wonisch, and himself.

“We are proud to congratulate you all at the opening ceremony, said Wonisch. “We were impressed by the new building and the fine details to make work efficient and friendly.”

Umarex employee and gunsmith Danny Williams attempted to pop a red ballon in the middle of a red ribbon with an airsoft gun, shooting plastic pellets. But high winds caused the balloon to bounce around so much, it had to be popped manually.