Another firearm industry company is expanding and is going to bring a new handgun to market, a decision that will lead to 150 jobs in western North Carolina. ZRODelta—previously limited to manufacturing optic mounting systems, muzzle brakes and other precision shooting accessories—announced that it is venturing into the arena of making firearms, with its first handgun called the Genesis Z9, a firearm that the company unveiled during the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show this week in Las Vegas.
Production on the Genesis could start as early as next month at the plant in Rutherford College, N.C., west of Charlotte.
ZRODelta has been a rising star in terms of small businesses in the firearm industry. It remains small and nimble, despite its recent acquisitions of War Sport Manufacturing and Critical Capabilities, two other N.C. enterprises. Those two business unions provided the final pieces that ZRODelta needed before it could proceed with its handgun manufacturing plan.
With such a large component of its planned business being handled outside Charlotte, the company also will move its headquarters to the Burke County site, from Hickory, N.C.
Pat Harrigan, a former U.S. Army Green Beret, is the chief executive officer who said the decision to open near Charlotte was an “easy one.”
“With excellent infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and geographical disposition just outside of Charlotte, Burke County and Rutherford College provide the right fit for our companies to see continued success as we grow,” Harrigan told the Charlotte Business Journal.
ZRODelta is a leader in making firearm accessories for military, recreation, and shooting sports use. Its patented and patent pending products help make sure that any critical firearms need is met and exceeded in even the harshest conditions.
The state will provide a $500,000 grant for renovations to the existing building that ZRODelta will retrofit. The company expects to reach full employment at the Rutherford College plant within five years.
