I recently caught up with Tom Taylor, SIG Sauer’s chief marketing officer and executive vice president of commercial sales and asked him the question everyone wants answered: Where did all the ammo go?
He said the company’s plant in Arkansas is working overtime to fill orders, putting added emphasis on producing the cartridges in highest demand, 9 mm and .223 Rem./5.56 NATO.
GJS—How much has demand for ammunition increased this year?
TT—Demand has far exceeded our manufacturing capability, but we’ve still been able to double our shipments in all categories.
GJS—Have you hired more employees or increased shifts to address the demand?
TT—We have greatly expanded our work force and are running three shifts in our factory.
GJS—Have you invested in machinery to increase production?
TT—We continue to add manufacturing equipment as fast as we can and as much as possible to meet demand.
GJS—Have you shifted workers/machinery to increase production of the most in-demand cartridges?
TT—While we continue to build all calibers, we have definitely shifted our focus to the most highly demanded areas.
GJS—Any plans in the near future to expand the size of your factory/plant?
TT—We do have expansion plans in the near future. SIG Sauer has added capacity, equipment, people, shifts and every resource we can to find ways to expand production to meet as much market demand as we can.
GJS—Is there anything you’d like to tell enthusiasts during this frustrating when most are asking where did all the ammo go?
TT—This the most demanding market anyone has seen in history, and it’s not close. Retailers and consumers are frustrated, but trust that SIG, and every other manufacturer, has added as much capacity as possible to meet this demand.
Other experts off insights on where all the ammo went in this story.