March 19, 2014
SEDALIA-Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County joined officials from Black Dawn Manufacturing & Coating, a firearms and accessories manufacturer, to celebrate the expansion of Black Dawn in Sedalia.
Black Dawn’s expansion project includes a $1.5 million capital investment and is expected to create 19 new jobs. They recently relocated into a new facility at 1511 North Ohio, in Sedalia.
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 has purchased a new, larger facility in Sedalia to accommodate increased production. The company is also developing an indoor shooting range and will begin offering safety classes as part of the expansion.
“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 Missouri’s 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 Economic Development Board President Rusty Kahrs. “Our existing companies are and will continue to be a focus in our program of work. They are our foundation.”
“Black Dawn is a tremendous addition to the ammunition manufacturing community of Sedalia,” said Sedalia Mayor Elaine Horn. “Our national bullet/ammunition companies are now joined by a local business that provides a shooting range experience and individualized expertise for customer service.”
The City of Sedalia, Pettis County officials, and Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County partnered with Black Dawn Manufacturing & Coating to make its expansion possible.