AMMO Inc (POWW)

[TallTrader]

Ammo plant update

by Alexis Bechman roundup staff reporter
Mar 7, 2017

A Payson ammunition production facility is back up and running after new owners stepped in.

The future of Advanced Tactical Armament Concepts (ATAC), which manufactured HPR ammo, was unclear after the business abruptly shut its doors in September, sending its employee’s home without notice.

Ammo, Inc. recently announced it had taken over the facility and is now manufacturing branded ammunition. One line is with motorcycle designer and builder Jesse James.

Fred Wagenhals is the CEO of Ammo, Inc. and its primary owner, said David Hynes, chief marketing officer for Ammo, Inc. Wagenhals used to own one of the largest homes in Payson, the “Log Mahal” in Chaparral Pines. Wagenhals also founded Action Performance Companies Inc., which sells die-cast racecar collectibles and other motorsports memorabilia.

Ammo, Inc. will focus on purpose-built ammo, such as that for hunters, military and police or for the range or protection. Hynes said the goal is to simplify the buying experience for consumers, offering ammo that is tailor-made for a specific purpose, such as for protection.

“We are marrying our advanced technology with brand names specific to the use of the bullet,” he said.

Ammo, Inc. has started up the production machines again at the Payson facility and will soon be distrusting the ammo to Bass Pro Shops and other gun shops.

Ammo, Inc. is not manufacturing HPR Ammo.

In August, ATAC was “unexpectedly placed into receivership,” according to online court documents, shortly after its founders Jim and Jeff Antich announced they were expanding to Tennessee.

Two months later, Ammo, Inc. bought “certain assets” of ATAC and is now running the day-to-day business.

Hynes said the Antichs are still involved, but in consulting roles. He said they might have expanded roles in the company “down the road.”

He said Wagenhals stepped in and “saved” the business after the Antichs found themselves in financial trouble. Hynes said he believes the Antichs scrapped plans for the Tennessee plant.

Some of the people that worked for ATAC are now working for Ammo, Inc. The company plans to hire more Payson workers in the future. There are no plans to move the Payson facility and when needed, they will expand in Payson, Hynes said.

“Ammo, Inc. has an opportunity to really energize the munitions industry in the coming years through the execution of a lifestyle based brand,” said Jay Grdina with Ammo, Inc. “There is a very real movement and energy in the firearms industry that can be capitalized on with quality licensing, event marketing and communications that puts personality and excitement front and center.”

Their first line of licensed munitions line is with Jesse James, who launched a line of firearms, Jesse James Firearms Unlimited, in 2012.

“When putting my name on a box of ammo I am only interested in three things. That it’s the absolute highest quality, most accurate, and best value for the customer. Jesse James Ammunition is all three,” said James. “I am so proud to be partnering with Ammo, Inc. The stars have truly aligned for a successful company. Ammo, Inc. CEO Fred Wagenhals and myself have a partnership going back almost two decades. We both are focused and determined to create the best product possible. Also bring a new approach to the ammunition industry.”

Ammo plans to produce 25 million rounds of ammunition annually with the ability to scale to more than 150 million rounds per year.

http://www.paysonroundup.com/business/ammo-plant-update/article_78e2067c-187a-5d03-a570-32a11453c5a7.html