It’s a great sensation when you hit what you aimed for—and that’s exactly how we feel about our role in bringing Grind Hard Ammo to Martin County.
No doubt the Village of Indiantown can relate. Councilmembers deserve applause for recently approving the company’s second facility, which will result in a nearly $50 million investment and the creation of 100 new jobs for the Village.
In the business of economic development, community impact is the name of the game.
“Growing our own” companies are a key component to our strategy and both of Grind Hard Ammo’s projects perfectly showcase the array of resources and solutions we can bring to those that avail our services.
Two years ago, we received a call from a partner – State Representative John Snyder – who knew Austin Weiss, co-owner of Grind Hard Ammo, was looking to grow his business but was having trouble finding a site to do so. The BDB got fast to work with its partners, helped them find their Stuart facility and answered all questions as they navigated the process to substantially rehabilitate it.
And then when the pandemic hit and global supply chains froze or were redirected, Austin and co-owner Barry Skolnick saw an opportunity to better supply our military, sheriff offices and police departments versus depending on ammunition made in other countries.
With national and local security in mind, they crafted their second investment project to re-shore the manufacturing of every aspect essential to ammunition with national security in mind and we helped again.
Heavily regulated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Grind Hard Ammo’s Stuart location—which recently opened, spanning 25,000 square feet, employing more than 20 people and representing a nearly $40 million investment in the facility and equipment—works with three of the four key ingredients of ammunition: The casing, projectile and gunpowder.
The fourth is the primer—which when struck ignites the gunpowder to release the projective (I’ve learned so much through this project).
Primers will be produced at the company’s latest facility in Indiantown.
Approved for a 26,000-square-feet facility fortified to ensure any incident or danger would remain enclosed within the hardened walls of the building, the Indiantown location alone represents a nearly $60 million investment, bringing the total between the two sites to nearly $100 million.
The Indiantown operation promises great employment opportunities. Staff—consisting of about 30 people to a shift—will make around $25 an hour. The facility will operate 24 hours a day.
We recently toured Grind Hard Ammo’s Stuart location and marveled at the massive original murals adorning the factory walls. Marines planting the flag at Iwo Jima, the Twin Towers, the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, soldiers running into battle—amid painted display of firearms and military hardware—leave no doubt about the proud patriotism of the owners.
Considering the significant financial investment and strong job creation, plus the bonus that such an essential ingredient to our national security is now made in America (and Martin County, no less), this is one economic development project that truly hits its target. A shout-out to all who helped along the way and especially to Austin and Barry for recognizing Martin County was the place to grow jobs and make capital investments.
This article can also be found in the March 12, 2023 Friends and Neighbors of Martin County Newsletter.
