By Jonathan Bym
Staff Writer
The town of Robbins was founded in the late 18th century as a production site for the Kennedy rifle, and now the town will soon be home to another firearm manufacturer.
OA Defense, which manufactures premium handguns, announced on its Facebook page recently that it is moving its headquarters to a 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Robbins.
“This move provides OA Defense with the increased manufacturing capacity required to keep up with the market demand for its pistols while allowing for future growth,” the company’s announcement said. “In addition to expanded machining and assembly departments, enhanced quality control facilities and a larger warehouse, the new facility also includes an on-site test range for increased R&D capabilities.”
The facility the company is moving into is located on N.C. 24-27 near the N.C 705 intersection at the former site of War Sports Industries, which has sat vacant for over a decade.
“We’re thrilled to provide the infrastructure and services for OA Defense’s needs to expand its production and continue its impressive growth,” Robbins Town Manager Clint Mack said. “It’s a point of pride in Robbins that we are once again part of the rich tradition of American firearms manufacturing.”
That area annexed into Robbins also has Reeder Pallet Co., which moved into the former Situs operation last year.
“I’m really excited that the crossroads is booming again. Reeder Pallet Company reached out to us after they had the zoning issues at Seagrove. They were very open-minded, and that site fit them,” Mack said. “There’s some other land back around there that is in play soon. We have the infrastructure. We’ve got water and sewer. I’d love for people to use it.”
The company’s website said it has job openings for senior gunsmith, shipping and receiving associate and technical coordinator.
“We are thrilled to welcome OA Defense to Moore County. Their decision to relocate their manufacturing facility here speaks volumes about the strength of our business community and the incredible opportunities our region offers,” Moore County Chamber of Commerce President Linda Parsons said. “OA Defense brings not only innovation and industry expertise, but also new jobs and energy to our growing economy. We look forward to supporting their continued success and are proud to have them join the Moore County business family.”
OA Defense has already connected with several organizations locally, including sponsorships and support for the Southern Pines Youth Rugby team, the Sandhills Bogeys baseball program, the Carolina Rodeo Company and the Grace Christian School Shooting Team.
“We look forward to doubling down on our commitment to American craftsmanship and faith-based business practices as we write the next chapter of the OA Defense story,” said Paul Ross, president of OA Defense. “This strategic move gives us the space to ramp up production and improve our efficiency while providing direct access to our core clientele and skilled personnel within the special operations community.”
The new facility is set to begin operations this summer with an official ribbon cutting event to follow in the fall.
Contact Jonathan Bym at (910) 693-2470 or jonathan@thepilot.com.
