Rideout Arsenal to Invest $22M, Create 120 New Jobs in Thomas County, Georgia

Published on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 by Nicole Shakir, Managing Editor of Expansion Solutions Magazine

Firearms designer and manufacturer selects Thomasville for new manufacturing facility

ATLANTA (June 10, 2026) — Rideout Arsenal, a firearms designer and manufacturer specializing in high-performance competition pistols, will invest $22 million in a new manufacturing facility in Thomasville, Georgia, creating 120 new jobs over the next several years.

Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp announced the project, highlighting the state’s pro-business climate, skilled workforce and strong manufacturing ecosystem as key factors in attracting the company.

“Georgia attracts job creators from all over the country and world because we work with them, not against them,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Our state’s pro-business approach, skilled workforce, and enduring support for constitutional freedoms make us an ideal home for manufacturers like Rideout Arsenal, and we look forward to their success here in the No. 1 state for business.”

Rideout Arsenal Expands Manufacturing Operations in Thomasville

Currently based in the United States, Rideout Arsenal designs and manufactures high-performance, high-end competition pistols. The company’s new Thomasville operation will support continued growth, domestic production and the expansion of its localized supply chain.

The new manufacturing facility will be located within Plantation Oak Industrial Park, with additional buildings planned over the next several years.

“Rideout Arsenal is proud to manufacture innovative firearms in America using a localized supply chain built around trusted domestic partners, suppliers, and skilled labor,” said Travis and Kelsey Rideout, Founders of Rideout Arsenal. “Thomasville and the State of Georgia provide a business environment necessary for us to continue designing and manufacturing high-performance products, made entirely here in the United States.”

The founders said the relocation was driven by business certainty and the opportunity to grow in a supportive state.

“This relocation was not something we originally planned to pursue,” Travis and Kelsey Rideout said. “The reality is that recent anti-gun legislation in Virginia created a significant uncertainty for our company and ultimately forced us to look for a state where we could continue operating, investing, and growing with confidence. We are excited to bring new jobs and manufacturing investment to Thomas County and are grateful for the warm welcome we have already received.”

Project Highlights

Rideout Arsenal’s Thomas County expansion includes:

$22 million in capital investment
120 new jobs over the next several years
A new manufacturing facility in Thomasville, Georgia
Location within Plantation Oak Industrial Park
Future building expansions planned
New opportunities in production, engineering, administration and management

Rideout Arsenal is hiring for positions in production, engineering, administrative and management roles. Interested individuals can learn more at www.RideoutArsenal.com or email Support@RideoutArsenal.com.

Thomasville Leaders Welcome New Manufacturing Investment

Local leaders said Rideout Arsenal’s investment will bring skilled jobs, new partnerships and economic momentum to Thomasville and Thomas County.

“Today we welcome Rideout Arsenal to Thomasville,” said Thomasville Mayor Scott Chastain. “This includes new highly skilled jobs, new partnerships, new careers and new momentum for our community. Most importantly, we welcome the Rideout family to our community.”
“Every new industry represents new jobs, and every job supports a family that can thrive in Thomasville,” said Shelley Zorn, President and CEO of the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority. “The arrival of new industry is also a sign that our community is moving forward, attracting new investment, innovation, and opportunity.”

Georgia Manufacturing Project Supported by State and Local Partners

Assistant Director of Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment Tina Herring represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development on the competitive project in partnership with the Thomasville-Thomas County Payroll Development Authority and Georgia Quick Start.

“We are excited by companies like Rideout Arsenal that locate in rural Georgia and choose to grow here,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia’s workforce training and development for companies of every size and across every industry is one of the key reasons businesses choose Georgia.”

Wilson said the project will also strengthen the state’s manufacturing supply chain and support broader economic growth.

“Investments like this also strengthen integrated supply chains, creating additional opportunities for local businesses, workers, and communities throughout the region,” Wilson said. “We’re excited to see the positive impact this project will have both locally and across Georgia’s manufacturing ecosystem.”

Strengthening Rural Georgia’s Manufacturing Economy

Rideout Arsenal’s new facility adds to Georgia’s continued momentum in advanced manufacturing and rural economic development. The project is expected to generate new career opportunities for Thomas County residents while supporting local suppliers, workforce development and long-term business growth in the region.

With a growing manufacturing base, access to workforce training resources and a business-friendly environment, Thomasville and Thomas County continue to position themselves as competitive destinations for companies seeking room to expand.

About Rideout Arsenal

Rideout Arsenal is an American firearms company focused on innovation, precision engineering and performance-driven products. From custom firearms and accessories to branded apparel and lifestyle gear, Rideout Arsenal delivers equipment built for reliability, durability and modern shooters who demand uncompromising quality.

Learn more at www.RideoutArsenal.com.