SIG Sauer has postponed the opening of its new ammunition plant in Jacksonville from March 20 to sometime in June.
Shannon Jackson, a spokeswoman for the company, told The Leader on Wednesday it has taken longer to install the factory’s equipment than expected.
The $3.6 million project is expected to create up to 150 jobs. In January, the company hired 50 people during a jobs fair hosted by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.
Longtime chamber director Amy Mattison was among those hired. She will lead SIG Sauer’s human resources department at the new plant, which will replace the company’s Kentucky operation.
The ammo plant will manufacture several calibers of ammunition at the old 70,000 square foot Meador Brothers Lighting building off Swift Drive.
The plant was originally scheduled to open at the end of 2016, but renovations started late, delaying the opening.
The Arkansas Economic Development Corporation provided SIG Sauer with $800,000 in tax breaks to relocate to Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Foundation committed to giving $150,000 to SIG Sauer.
SIG Sauer is based in Exeter, N.H.
