If savvy entrepreneurs find and fill openings in the marketplace, then Barry Skolnick deserves an especially sharp salute. His company, Grind Hard Ammo, provides a vital solution to a national security challenge too few even knew existed—that most U.S. ammunition has long been manufactured overseas. Eager to re-shore the production of this essential resource to help equip law enforcement, military, and private citizens, Skolnick completely transformed all 30,000 square feet of the former YMCA skate rink into an advanced manufacturing operation that produces the copper casings and other components of ammunition. The facility is more striking thanks to its artwork—massive patriotic murals hand-painted by artist Juan Travieso—blanketing the walls.
Earlier this year, Skolnick, knowing that the arms industry valued and needed more U.S.-made products, looked west to Indiantown and embarked on a massive expansion, a second facility, to manufacture the primers. When this state-of-the-art facility is complete, in early 2025, Grind Hard Ammo will have created nearly 100 new jobs employing almost 200 people, many with specialized skills, and implement a robust on-the-job training program while coordinating with Indian River State College to solidify additional workforce instructional opportunities. A proud employer of U.S. veterans, Grind Hard Ammo excels operationally, earning ratings for its ammunition that outperform competitors many times over in quality. Representing a more than $90 million capital investment in our community, Grind Hard Ammo hit the target and hit the bull’s eye in delivering big for Martin County’s workforce and economy.
