Firearms designer and manufacturer Rideout Arsenal is investing $22m in a new manufacturing facility in Thomasville, Georgia, a move expected to create 120 jobs over the next several years.
The project, announced by Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp, will see the company establish operations within Plantation Oak Industrial Park, with additional buildings planned as part of its longer-term growth strategy.
Rideout Arsenal, which specialises in high-performance competition pistols, said the investment will support the continued development and manufacture of products using a domestic supply chain and US-based workforce.
Governor Kemp welcomed the announcement, highlighting Georgia’s manufacturing environment and workforce capabilities.
“Georgia attracts job creators from all over the country and world because we work with them, not against them,” said Kemp. “Our state’s pro-business approach, skilled workforce, and enduring support for constitutional freedoms make us an ideal home for manufacturers like Rideout Arsenal.”
The company said the relocation was influenced by legislative changes in Virginia, which it cited as creating uncertainty for its future operations.
“Rideout Arsenal is proud to manufacture innovative firearms in America using a localized supply chain built around trusted domestic partners, suppliers, and skilled labor,” said founders Travis and Kelsey Rideout. “Thomasville and the State of Georgia provide a business environment necessary for us to continue designing and manufacturing high-performance products, made entirely here in the United States.”
The company added that the move would allow it to continue investing and expanding with confidence while bringing new manufacturing jobs to the region.
The facility is expected to create opportunities across production, engineering, administration and management functions, further strengthening the area’s manufacturing base.
Local leaders welcomed the investment, citing its potential economic impact on the community.
“Today we welcome Rideout Arsenal to Thomasville,” said Thomasville Mayor Scott Chastain. “This includes new highly skilled jobs, new partnerships, new careers and new momentum for our community.”
Shelley Zorn, President and CEO of the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority, said the project demonstrates the area’s ability to attract new industrial investment and employment opportunities.
Georgia officials also pointed to the wider benefits for the state’s manufacturing ecosystem.
“Georgia’s workforce training and development for companies of every size and across every industry is one of the key reasons businesses choose Georgia,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Investments like this also strengthen integrated supply chains, creating additional opportunities for local businesses, workers, and communities throughout the region.”
The project was supported through a partnership between the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Thomasville-Thomas County Payroll Development Authority and Georgia Quick Start, the state’s workforce training programme.
Construction and expansion plans at the Thomasville site are expected to be rolled out over the coming years as Rideout Arsenal scales its operations and workforce in Georgia.
