Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Tuesday, Jan. 9, that Kimber, a gun manufacturing company, is anticipating a 2019 opening of a manufacturing site in Troy.
“I am proud to announce this evening that Kimber firearms will build a $38 million production facility in Troy, bringing with it 366 new jobs,” Ivey said in her State of the State address.
“These are good, high-paying jobs, and will enable more of our citizens to provide for their families while taking part in the rich history of the Second Amendment.
“We are proud and honored to welcome Kimber to Alabama.”
Mayor Jason Reeves said the agreement has been in the works for two years.
“I have felt for some time that Troy and Alabama were a good market for a firearms manufacturer,” Reeves said. “We have a high-skilled labor force here.
“Belief in the Second Amendment is very strong in Alabama, so I believe we would be an ideal fit for someone who was looking to expand as some of those companies are.”
Greg Grogan, Kimber’s chief operating officer, said the facility will support growth and strategy for Kimber.
“Troy offers us expansion with a passionate workforce, affordable utility costs, a pro-business environment, experienced local training support and long-term incentives from the state of Alabama and the city of Troy alike,” Grogan said. “This expansion, in conjunction with our existing manufacturing facilities, talented and experienced employees and best-in-class products provides for exciting times here at Kimber.”
According to Reeves, the city of Troy beat out other cities across the Southeast with the help of local manufacturers and businesses, as well as the university.
“Seeing companies that are doing business all over the country and the world thriving in Troy speaks volumes,” Reeves said. “We are very thankful that they saw in the community what so many others have seen, and what we believe is a thriving community with a tremendous workforce and a fantastic university.”
Local manufacturers were a great support because companies manufacturing at a high level, like KW Plastics and Lockheed Martin, draw other manufacturers, according to Reeves.
“We are pleased with the impressive track record that Alabama has with attracting and retaining world-class manufacturing companies,” said Leslie Edelman, Kimber’s president and chief executive officer. “Growing our company intelligently depends significantly on being in the right manufacturing environment, and in Troy, we have a community dedicated to our long-term success.
“Working with the Alabama Department of Commerce as well as Mayor Jason Reeves and his team has been a pleasurable and rewarding experience.”
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