The small arms manufacturer based at the Interstate Centre in Black Creek has announced it will be expanding – but not in Bryan County.
Daniel Defense will open its second manufacturing facility in Ridgeland, S.C., a move being touted as a $5.3 million investment that will generate 100 new jobs in Jasper County.
Josh Fenn, executive director of the Development Authority of Bryan County that manages the Interstate Centre, said the authority isn’t thrilled with the news.
“We are very disappointed that Daniel has chosen to open this facility in South Carolina,” Fenn said. “We made them the best offer we could with the limited resources available to us.”
Still, Fenn said the authority is happy to have the company in North Bryan.
“We appreciate Daniel Defense’s continued re-investment into their Black Creek headquarter facility,” he said.
Daniel Defense Executive Vice President Cindy Daniel noted that state and local tax breaks and a move-in ready building were deciding factors in choosing the new location.
Owner and CEO Marty Daniel said the company is looking forward to beginning production in South Carolina.
“Jasper County offered us a positive business environment and had a facility that would suit our needs,” he said. “We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials.”
He noted that with the 90,000-square-foot facility for manufacturing and office space, Daniel Defense would be in a position to grow its brand in the U.S. and international firearms industries, Department of Defense manufacturing and more.
“Our goal is to build the best firearms in the world, and we view this investment as a key milestone toward achieving that goal,” Daniel said. “The company expects to have the facility in operation by Dec. 1, 2011”
Hiring for new positions will begin in August 2011. Interested applicants should submit their resumes to careers@danieldefense.com.