A family-owned firearms maker founded in a garage in Seymour in 2010 recently sought and received a $365,000 tax abatement.

Since its beginnings, FosTecH Inc. has grown into a multi-million dollar company with more than 13 full- and nine part-time employees, according to a news release from the company.

The abatement, approved Wednesday night by the Jackson County Council, will allow the company to purchase new equipment and add 10 new employees by the end of 2018, said Jim Plump, executive director of Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.

Plump made the request on behalf of brothers Judd, Paul and Mark Foster, who own the company.

The Fosters make Origin-12 shotguns, ultralight AR-15 rifles and a line of firearm accessories at a plant at 8620 U.S. 31 North.

“This is really just going to be the start of what is going to be a pretty major expansion, north of $3 million in the next three years,” Plump said. “This is probably not the last time you will see me or a company representative.”

Plump said the new jobs will increase payroll by $416,000. The current workforce has a payroll of $600,000.

Judd Foster said the growth in firearm sales around the world has been stagnant at between 5 and 8 percent in recent years.

FosTecH’s growth, however, has been substantial, he said.

“We do a lot of unique things,” Judd Foster said. “We will be pushing $7 million in sales this year.”

The company’s mission requires FosTecH to stay on the cutting edge of technology, according to a news release. The company currently owns multiple patents and has patents pending on a variety of products.

He said the company sells mainly through wholesalers but also has a website. There is no local store.

Judd Foster said the company tends to hire police officers, firemen and emergency medical technicians, especially as part-time workers.

“It’s good to have them around,” he said.

The company is in the process of launching a new ultralight type of AR-15 platform, which reduces the weight of the rifle by more than 30 percent while maintaining strength and durability.

The planned equipment purchases include $85,000 for a test range, $100,000 for a Z-Tech laser and $150,000 for a Brother CNC machine.

The laser would be used for engraving on weapons, Judd Foster said.
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