LECCO, Italy, and LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 29, 2020) – Fiocchi of America, the United States subsidiary of Italy-based Fiocchi Group, today announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Little Rock, Ark. Fiocchi, a global leader in small-caliber ammunition, will invest $15 million to establish a fully independent industrial platform in the U.S. The company has identified the U.S. as key to boosting the company’s growth. The new plant will strengthen the company’s focus on manufacturing premium products and improve its position in the premium segment of the market – a key pillar of the company's business plan.
“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” said Anthony Acitelli, President and CEO for Fiocchi of America.
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Fiocchi to Arkansas,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “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.”
In 2015, Gov. Hutchinson became the first Arkansas governor to attend the SHOT Show, the industry’s leading trade show. The governor has led the Arkansas delegation to the show for five consecutive years to pursue and welcome growing firearms and ammunition companies to Arkansas. Arkansas has since emerged as a premier landing spot for companies in the in the firearms and ammunition sector.
“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 United States. Fiocchi of America is headquartered in Missouri. As of today, the United States represents the most important market for the Group.
“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 COVID-19 pandemic and the related lock down constraints,” commented Maurizio Negro, Fiocchi Group CEO.
This industrial investment marks a crucial industrial milestone for the Fiocchi Group and represents the first major step toward additional investments that will follow over the next 12 months. Fiocchi will hire 85 highly skilled employees with the plan to further increase the workforce as the facility reaches its full potential.
“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.”
About Fiocchi
Established in 1876, Fiocchi is a global leader in small caliber ammunition production. The Company is recognized for its strong innovation capabilities, including lead free technology. Thanks to a unique historical heritage, Fiocchi is renowned on the world stage for its reliability and high performance with more than 15 Olympic titles in biathlon, trap and double trap, as well as numerous world and national titles. Fiocchi’s US operations have been based out of Ozark (MO) for the last 37 years and have over 100 employees at its production and distribution facility in Missouri.
About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, seeks to create economic opportunity by attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding and diversifying local economies in the state, increasing incomes and investment, and generating positive growth throughout The Natural State. Arkansas is a pro-business environment operating leaner, faster and more focused through a streamlined state government designed to act on corporate interests quickly and decisively. For more information, visit www.ArkansasEDC.com. The Arkansas Department of Commerce is the umbrella department for workforce and economic development drivers. Its divisions and regulatory boards include Division of Aeronautics, Waterways Commission, Wine Producers Council, Division of Workforce Services, Office of Skills Development, State Bank Department, Insurance Department, Securities Department, Economic Development Commission and Development Finance Authority. It was established July 2019 as part of Governor Asa Hutchinson’s wide-sweeping efficiency and transformation efforts to reduce 42 cabinet agencies to 15 while maintaining services for all Arkansans.
