Ithaca Gun Company Announces Expansion to South Carolina
OutdoorHub Reporters 10.18.13
Ithaca Gun Company recently announced that it will be expanding manufacturing operations to South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach area. According to the company, Ithaca will be investing $6.7 million into a 20,000-square-foot facility in Horry County’s Cool Springs Business Park.
Coincidentally, this would place the venerable gun maker next to the new manufacturing headquarters of PTR Industries. Connecticut-based PTR is one of a number of gun makers leaving their home states after the passage of new gun control laws. However, Ithaca has no plans to relocate from their Ohio headquarters. Instead, the new plant will focus on production of the company’s new over-and-under shotgun and provide the area with 120 high-skill jobs.
“We are delighted to be a part of the growing firearms manufacturing industry in the Myrtle Beach area, and we extend our thanks to all the parties that helped us with this decision. We look forward to being under production in 2014 and being a part of the Horry County and South Carolina community,” said Ithaca COO Mike Farrel.
Much like PTR, Ithaca stated that the expertise of the local workforce and a strong pro-Second Amendment culture drew them to South Carolina. So far, the state seems to be a top choice for migrating gun makers. Rifle manufacturer Stag Arms is also reportedly considering a move to Mytle Beach, with CEO Mark Malkowski saying that the state is a top contender along with Texas.
“Today is yet another great day for economic development in Horry County, and I am proud to be a part of the team that helped recruit this great American company to our community,” said Horry County Council Chairman Mark Lazarus. “I am anxiously looking forward to seeing them build their legacy shotguns right here on the Grand Strand!”
Founded in 1883, Ithaca Gun Company is perhaps best known for the Ithaca Model 37 pump-action shotgun. Used with distinction in World War II, the Ithaca 37 still holds the longest production run of any pump-action shotgun in the world. Ithaca is also well-respected for their long line of sporting shotguns and 1911 pistols.
