IWI US, Inc. Firearms Manufacturing Coming To Andersonville, TN

Correction 10/8/24: IWI have reached out to clarify that they currently have no plans to open a facility in Anderson County despite local news reports.

Israel Weapon Industries - IWI US is opening a manufacturing facility in Anderson County, TN, according to local media reports. The Pennsylvania-based firearms manufacturer began US operations in 2013 with the support of its Israeli-based parent company Israel Military Industries (IMI), founded in 1933.

IWI @ TFB

• TFB Review: The IWI Galil ACE Gen II
• Israel Ministry of Defense Orders More IWI X95 Micro Tavors for IDF
• IWI Releases the Masada Slim 13-Round Micro Compact 9mm Pistol
• TFB Review: IWI Tavor TS12 Shotgun

Little is known at the moment regarding exactly what the new facility will be manufacturing, however, an Anderson County Board of Zoning Appeals application filed in August shared some details of the request for the plant on Mountain Road, including a special exception for the manufacturing, production, assembly, storage, and distribution of tritium, along with the testing of firearms. The board approved the application unanimously at its meeting on September 10th.

Andy Wallace, president of the Anderson County Economic Development Agency, is reported to have said that IWI plans to invest $20 million in the the new manufacturing facility which is expected to create about 80 new jobs, contributing to the local economy.

IWI produces a range of rifle and pistol platforms including the Carmel, Tavor, Galil Ace, Zion AR-15, Uzi, and Jericho. It will be interesting to see what this expansion brings and what new firearms and products may come from it. In any event, it is always great seeing a solid manufacturer expanding operations here in the US.

What would you guys want to see come out of the IWI expansion? Maybe a new rifle or handgun? Perhaps bring back a retro classic like the UZI? Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing the return of the Galil ARM, wood Handguard and all. With good things coming out of the Zion-15 rifle, we could be due for a Zion-10, or some other type of long-range platform. Share some of your ideas in the comments below.