Daniel Defense, the Black-Creek based manufacturer of weapons and accessories, announced Tuesday it will cut its workforce by 14 percent — about 35 people — because of “current market conditions.”
“We have been watching the market closely and held off as long as possible before making the needed adjustments,” said President and CEO Marty Daniel. “This restructuring will in no way have an effect on our five-year growth plan.
We have made substantial investments in equipment and infrastructure and are excited about our long-term position as a leader in the firearms industry.”
In January, Daniel Defense announced a five-year, $20 million plan for expansion, which would grow the 47,000-square-foot Black Creek facility to more than 100,000 square feet.
“Daniel Defense is financially strong, and will continue to grow as we have the last 10 years,” Daniel said. “Despite having to reduce the workforce in certain areas, we are still recruiting highly-skilled engineers and for other positions throughout the company. This difficult decision allows us to remain competitive, while maintaining long-term growth.”
In making the January announcement, Gov. Nathan Deal said the firm expected to add 120 new jobs over the next five years.
“Georgia’s strong manufacturing sector has supported Daniel Defense for more than a decade,” said Deal. “I have no doubt that Georgia’s No. 1 business climate and highly qualified workforce will continue to help keep innovative companies such as Daniel Defense at the forefront of the industry.”
The company, which had about 350 employees before Tuesday’s announcement, said it expected to employ a total of 284 people in Georgia by 2018.
Daniel Defense launched a small manufacturing facility in Chatham County in 2000 and moved to Bryan County in 2009. Today, with significant growth at the Bryan County facility, In 2012, the company added a 90,000-square-foot facility in Ridgeland, S.C.