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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21st, 2008
Released by: Umarex USA
Contact: JB – Justin Biddle, Marketing Manager
Umarex USA has been leasing office and warehouse space in Fort Smith since May of 2006 and today has
announced plans to build a new 100,000+ square foot facility in Fort Smith. Umarex USA is part of Umarex Corporate Group, a diversified German owned holding company headquartered in Arnsberg, Germany. Umarex manufactures and markets airguns, paintball products, airsoft guns, blank-firing guns, self-defense weapons, firearms and laser-based measurement and leveling instruments. Holdings include Walther GmBH, a firearms legend since 1886, which upon Umarex USA’s acquisition of 27 acres of land at Chaffee Crossing, has decided to include within Umarex USA’s facility, a 35,000 square foot operation for its newly created U.S. entity, Walther Industries, Inc.
Together, the new facilities will employ an estimated 60 to 120 people over the next three years. This is in addition
to more than 80 sales representatives located throughout the USA, Canada, and Mexico. “Fort Smith is a terrific location for us, offering our companies a central location, a skilled work force and people with strong values,” Adam Blalock, president and CEO of Umarex USA, said. “The City of Ft. Smith, the Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority and the State of Arkansas have all been great to work with and tremendously supportive as we developed this project. We are most grateful. Our whole team is excited about our new Chaffee Crossing address.” Wulf-Heinz Pflaumer, President & CEO of Umarex Corporate Group and a primary shareholder added, “We have visited Ft. Smith, Arkansas several times now. We are delighted with our growing Umarex USA team and excited to establish our permanent operation at Chaffee Crossing.”
Umarex has been an expert in airguns for more than 34 years, an expertise that stems from the close association
with Walther firearms. Umarex USA will expand its current sales, marketing, gunsmithing, manufacturing and
distribution operations for airgun, paintball, and airsoft products to accommodate increasing sales and market share.
Umarex USA’s products are marketed under the following brand names: RWS, Walther, Hämmerli, Beretta,
Smith & Wesson, Browning, Heckler & Koch, Ruger, Desert Eagle, RAM and Colt. Umarex USA recently
entered the firearms sporting market with its introduction of the Hämmerli Sport 22SA, a .22 caliber rimfire rifle.
Umarex USA’s products can be found in retail locations throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Customers include national chains and specialty stores such as Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Academy,
Sports Authority and others as well as independent dealers such as the Tackle Box and Gellco, located
right here in Ft. Smith.
The newly formed Walther Industries will manufacture a variety of products including airguns and firearms,
primarily for Umarex USA, but will also produce OEM products for other manufacturers and distributors.
Walther firearms products are marketed in the U.S.A. exclusively by Smith & Wesson, the Springfield, Mass. gun
maker under an exclusive strategic alliance with Walther GmBH, Germany. Smith & Wesson will continue to be
responsible for the sales and marketing and production of certain Walther firearm models in the U.S.A.
Umarex USA has chosen Glidewell Construction Company as their building contractor for the project.
Tom Manskey, President & CEO of the Ft. Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce said, “The expanding
employment and payroll at Umarex USA, the many local suppliers connected to their business and the construction
project all result in a significant economic gain for the Ft. Smith area. These two new companies and their world
famous brands and products are a tremendous addition to the growing industrial development at Chaffee Crossing.”
For more information about Umarex USA and its products visit www.UmarexUSA.com.
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