Savage Arms (WNG File Photo)
WESTFIELD – There’s a possibility that Savage Arms, one of Westfield’s largest employers, may be sold.
Vista Outdoors, who purchased Savage Arms in 2013, announced last month that they’re looking to possibly sell the Westfield based business, but the idea certainly isn’t set in stone.
“We haven’t said we’re looking for sale, we’re looking at options to sell,” said Amanda Covington, who is the Vice President of Corporate Communications for Vista Outdoor.
Founded in 1894, Savage Arms focuses on longer barrel guns, but Vista Outdoor sees hand guns as a product line that Savage Arms needs to succeed. Savage Arms’ current product is not in Vista Outdoor’s future plans as they are moving away from the gun-making business.
“They need to be a full-service fire arms company,” said Covington. “We think there’s a potential it (Savage Arms) could do better under a different owner.”
In the announcement, it also noted that Vista Outdoor’s sports protection brands such as Bell, Giro, and Blackburn, are also included in the possibility of being sold. Jimmy Styks paddle boards, and Stevens firearms are also on that list.
Moving forward, Vista Outdoor’s will be focusing on increasing their growth in their market-leading brands of ammunition, hunting and shooting accessories, hydration bottles, and pack and cooking products.
“Vista Outdoor is excited about the potential of each of our core businesses, particularly ammunition, which is our largest core business.” said Vista Outdoor’s Chief Executive Officer Chris Metz in the release. “An increased focus on our heritage ammunition business will manifest itself in more innovative and breakthrough new products introduced over the next few years. We also anticipate that by prioritizing this business, we will be able to invest more capital to further enhance and expand our global leadership position.”
This past November, Metz conducted a strategic review of the company’s portfolio looking at all 51 brands that Vista Outdoors has.
With headquarters in Farmington, Utah, Vista Outdoors employs more than 5,500 people worldwide. Vista has received some backlash recently for its connections to the NRA (National Rifles Association) and donations to politicians who are against gun control.
The Westfield facility currently employs more than 360 people.
In March, REI (Recreation Equipment Inc.), an outdoor retailer, announced that they would no longer be ordering any products from Vista Outdoors. Only hours before REI’s announcement, thousands of their co-op members signed an online petition to request REI that they stop partnering with Vista due to their manufacturing of guns and connections with the NRA.
Covington added that if the possibility of a sale does become a reality, the sale could be complete by the end of their fiscal year in 2020.
