Vista Outdoor Inc. has announced plans to expand its ammunition manufacturing capacity in Lewiston, ID, creating up to 137 new jobs. The company's current Lewiston operations (CCI, Speer and Southport locations) occupy approximately 400 acres and 315,000 sq. ft. and employ approximately 1,400 employees. Expansion plans include hiring engineers, program managers, technicians and manufacturing employees.
The Idaho Economic Advisory Council approved Vista Outdoor to receive a Tax Reimbursement Incentive (TRI) of 28% for a term of 14 years. Issuance of the TRI was subject to a community match, which the Nez Perce County Commissioners approved in the form of a partial five-year property tax exemption with an estimated value of $2 million.
"I am thrilled that Vista Outdoor is expanding its existing operations in Lewiston," said Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter. "Idaho's rugged and diverse environment makes our state an ideal location for companies in the outdoor industry and Vista Outdoor has already become a critical member of Idaho's economy. The fact that Vista Outdoor is expanding is really great news not only for the local economy in the Lewiston area, but for Idaho as a whole."
"Vista Outdoors' decision to expand its operations in Lewiston is an exciting addition to our existing ammunition and gun manufacturing sector in Nez Perce County," said Nez Perce County Commissioner Bob Tippett. "This sector represents nearly one out of every five jobs in the county, and is a critical part of our economy."
"Vista Outdoor and its CCI and Speer brands have been long-standing community partners in Lewiston, ID," said Vista Outdoor Chairman and CEO Mark DeYoung. "Our company's multi-year ammunition capacity expansion project will help meet increasing market demand for our products. The support from both the state and the county, along with a passionate and skilled workforce, were motivating factors in our decision to expand the Lewiston operation. We consider it a great responsibility to invest in the communities where we operate and we look forward to the results this new project will generate for both Vista Outdoor and the Lewiston community. We also thank the business leaders of Valley Vision, Inc., who were instrumental in helping support our final decision to build this expansion in the Lewis-Clark Valley."
For more information contact:
Vista Outdoor Inc.
262 N. University Dr.
Farmington, UT 84025
801-447-3000
www.vistaoutdoor.com
Idaho Commerce
www.commerce.idaho.gov