Gunmaker Daniel Defense plans big Georgia expansion

A rifle made by Georgia gunmaker Daniel Defense. Source: Daniel Defense

A rifle made by Georgia gunmaker Daniel Defense. Source: Daniel Defense

A Georgia firearms maker plans to expand its operations near the coast, and consolidate a facility in South Carolina, in a move that will create about 75 jobs.

Gov. Nathan Deal’s office said Wednesday that Daniel Defense, which makes custom rifles and accessories, will embark on a $29 million expansion at its headquarters in Bryan County that will involve consolidating operations that currently take place in Ridgeland, S.C.

“This consolidation will streamline our operational efficiencies on many different levels and will allow us to continue to grow our team,” Daniel Defense President and CEO Marty Daniel said in a news release. “It is very important that we attract, hire and retain exceptional talent. This new facility will allow us to do just that, and continue to accelerate our market share in the firearms business.”

The newly created jobs will involve positions in assembly, machining, marketing and engineering, the release said.

Daniel, founded in the Savannah area, previously expanded in 2014 at a site in the area of Ellabell.

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