Ammunition Company Coming To New Caney
General Ballistics, a California-based ammunition manufacturer founded by Vance Massih, will expand into the Texas market in a deal crafted by the East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID) that will also benefit local law enforcement.
The Board of Directors approved at its April 14 regular meeting to build a 10,000 sq. ft. production facility and qualification range at the East Montgomery County Industrial Park and lease it to General Ballistics. The company will produce 9 mm, .40-, .45-caliber and 5.56/.223 caliber cartridges. Initially, the company will employ two to three people upon opening in January of 2017.
Massih says he’s very excited to be moving to a state that is business-friendly and welcomes his product. “It’s been a complete breath of fresh air,” he said. “The depth of knowledge that Mr. McCrady and the Board have in knowing what it takes to recruit a business and their hospitality have been excellent.”
Frank McCrady, President and CEO of EMCID, spent about a year talking with local law enforcement agencies about the need for a qualification range in East Montgomery County that they can utilize for training purposes.
“Through our conversations with the agencies, the general consensus was that there’s a potential for cost savings for the agencies in the areas of manpower and fuel, and a reduction in the time officers spend away from work,” said McCrady, President and CEO of EMCID. “In constructing a dual purpose facility which can be used by the company and local law enforcement needs really fits the model for an economic development/community development project.” He added, “This project also provides opportunities for sales, marketing, and relationships with local law enforcement agencies which will be beneficial to both parties.”
Constable Rowdy Hayden said, "After about a year of discussion with EMCID, I was very happy to hear of the partnership formed between General Ballistics/EMCID and that a law enforcement only practice and qualification range would be built. We will now have a great solution to an issue that East Montgomery County has always had."
Constable Hayden's remarks were echoed by several others including Chief Carlisle (Roman Forest PD) and Chief Doerge (Splendora ISD PD).