Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County hosts open house honoring Black Dawn, Sedalia manufacturer, with expected creation of 19 new jobs
SEDALIA—The Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County today joined officials from Black Dawn Manufacturing & Coating, a firearms and accessories manufacturer, to celebrate Black Dawn’s new location opening at 1511 North Ohio in Sedalia.
Black Dawn’s expansion project includes a $1.5 million capital investment and has already created 15 of the expected 19 new jobs. They recently relocated into a new facility.
“Just a few short years ago Black Dawn Manufacturing & Coating was little more than a good idea, but now, I’m proud to say that this Missouri-grown company is truly thriving,” said Economic Development Officer and Master of Ceremonies Kyle Weymuth. “We work every day to help develop an environment where Missouri businesses can grow and succeed, and it’s great to see our efforts pay off with today’s open house.”
Black Dawn Manufacturing & Coating, founded in Sedalia in 2008, produces a wide range of guns and accessories using all American-made parts. Black Dawn specializes in its own brand of semi-automatic rifles, the AR-15 Rifle. Black Dawn’s commitment to functioning reliability and accuracy has created a growing demand for its products. As the company continues to grow, it plans to expand manufacturing of current products as well as introduce new product lines. Black Dawn purchased a new, larger facility at 1511 North Ohio in Sedalia to accommodate increased production. The company has also developed an indoor shooting range and has partnered with The LearningForce at State Fair Community College to offer safety classes as part of the expansion project.
“There’s no better place than Missouri to build our business,” said Black Dawn Co-owner Steve Abbott. “We needed a skilled workforce and a low tax environment, we found them both right here in Sedalia.”
Tim Padgett, Co-Owner agreed, adding, “Black Dawn owes a lot of our rapid growth to the business-friendly environment and the cooperation of local and state partners. With Whiteman Air Force Base nearby plus other ammunition based companies right here in Sedalia, we enjoy a great atmosphere for our company.”
“We are elated to have this growth from one of our companies,” said Presiding Commissioner David Dick. “Our existing companies are and will continue to be a focus for our county. They are our foundation.”
“Black Dawn is a tremendous addition to the ammunition manufacturing community of Sedalia, said Sedalia Mayor Steven Galliher. “Our national bullet/ammunition companies are now joined by a local business that provides a shooting range experience and individualized expertise for customer service.”
“Since partnering with Black Dawn to provide personal enrichment and community education classes for conceal and carry and gun safety, SFCC’s The Learning Force has seen a nearly 200% increase in classes and students in those classes! We look forward to continuing this public-private partnership,” stated Jessica Craig, Executive Director of The Learning Force at State Fair Community College.
To assist Black Dawn Manufacturing & Coating with its expansion, the Department of Economic Development has authorized a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation and investment criteria. The state, along with the City of Sedalia, Pettis County officials, and Economic Development Sedalia – Pettis County partnered with Black Dawn Manufacturing & Coating to help make its expansion possible.