The Economy

Daniel Defense to Open Factory in South Carolina

July 11, 2011

Maker of small-arms parts and accessories will create 100 new jobs.

Daniel Defense Inc., a Black Creek, Ga.-based manufacturer of small-arms parts and accessories for military, commercial and law enforcement customers, will establish operations in Ridgeland, S.C.

The $5.3 million investment is expected to create 100 new jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Daniel Defense will operate in a preexisting facility, which the company expects to have up and running by Dec. 1.

The Ridgeland factory will be the company's second manufacturing facility, and its first in South Carolina.

"With 90,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space, we are poised to continue to grow our brand in the U.S. firearms industry, international firearms industry, DOD manufacturing and strategic business relationships," company President and CEO Marty Daniel said.

The company will begin hiring for the positions in August.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.