Byrna Begins U.S. Ammo Production, Establishing Domestic Capacity of 8 Million Rounds Per Year

Rhea-AI Summary

Byrna Technologies (Nasdaq: BYRN) has launched its first U.S.-based ammunition production facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, establishing a domestic manufacturing capacity of 8 million rounds per year for its proprietary less-lethal ammunition. The new facility, located five miles from Byrna's existing launcher production facility, is equipped with three SAM machines and one Amtek machine, expected to reach full output by mid-April.

The facility operates on a 116-hour weekly schedule with two shifts Monday through Thursday, plus a weekend shift. The company is considering adding two more SAM machines, which could increase monthly output capacity by approximately 150,000 rounds. This expansion represents a significant step in Byrna's transition to fully domestic manufacturing, improving supply chain reliability and operational efficiency.

Positive

• Establishment of 8 million rounds annual production capacity
• Enhanced supply chain control and reliability through domestic manufacturing
• Potential 150,000 additional monthly capacity with planned expansion
• Cost reduction and lead time improvement through in-house production
• Strategic proximity to existing launcher facility (5 miles) for operational efficiency

Negative

• Initial production capacity not yet reached (full output expected by mid-April)
• Significant operational costs associated with running 116-hour weekly schedule

ANDOVER, Mass., March 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Byrna Technologies Inc. (“Byrna” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BYRN), a personal defense technology company specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of innovative less-lethal personal security solutions, today announced that its first U.S.-based ammunition production facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana is now operational. Located just five miles from Byrna’s existing launcher production facility, this expansion advances the Company’s transition to fully domestic manufacturing, enhancing supply chain reliability and positioning the Company to meet growing demand with improved efficiency.

With the new facility, Byrna will have the capacity to produce 8 million rounds of its proprietary less-lethal ammunition per year. Production will initially be powered by three SAM machines and one Amtek machine, which are expected to reach full output by mid-April. Byrna relocated this equipment from South Africa under the oversight of COO John Brasseur. The facility operates on a 116-hour weekly schedule, running two shifts Monday through Thursday, plus a weekend shift. Byrna is also evaluating the addition of two more SAM machines, which would increase monthly output capacity by approximately 150,000 rounds.

“The opening of our ammo production facility in Fort Wayne ensures we can meet demand while maintaining the highest production standards,” said Byrna CEO Bryan Ganz. “Bringing ammo manufacturing in-house strengthens our ability to control costs, reduce lead times, and guarantee product consistency for our customers.”

Brasseur, who managed the relocation and integration of production equipment, emphasized the seamless transition: “The facility looks fantastic, and the team is ready to go. This move allows us to produce at scale while maintaining flexibility to adjust production as needed.”

By manufacturing domestically, Byrna is further aligning with its long-term goal of consolidating all production in the United States.

About Byrna Technologies Inc.
Byrna is a technology company specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of innovative less-lethal personal security solutions. For more information on the Company, please visit the corporate website here or the Company's investor relations site here. The Company is the manufacturer of the Byrna® SD personal security device, a state-of-the-art handheld CO2 powered launcher designed to provide a less-lethal alternative to a firearm for the consumer, private security, and law enforcement markets. To purchase Byrna products, visit the Company's e-commerce store.

Forward- Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the securities laws. All statements contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, are forward-looking. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “anticipates,” and “believes” and statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “might,” “occur,” “be achieved,” or “will continue to.” Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Byrna’s ammunition production capacity, future production output, the timeline for reaching full operational capacity, potential expansion of manufacturing capabilities, Byrna’s ability to consolidate all production in the United States, and the expected benefits of domestic production. Forward-looking statements include descriptions of currently occurring matters which may continue in the future. Forward-looking statements are not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking statements are based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates, and analyses that, while considered reasonable by the Company at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied.

Any number of risk factors could affect our actual results and cause them to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this news release, including, but not limited to, potential delays with implementing domestic production, challenges that could be encountered with moving other aspects of production to the United States, and potential increased labor or material costs that could outweigh other benefits of domestic production. The order in which these factors appear should not be construed to indicate their relative importance or priority. We caution that these factors may not be exhaustive; accordingly, any forward-looking statements contained herein should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. Investors should carefully consider these and other relevant factors, including those risk factors in Part I, Item 1A, (“Risk Factors”) in our most recent Form 10-K, should understand it is impossible to predict or identify all such factors or risks, should not consider the foregoing list, or the risks identified in our SEC filings, to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties, and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

Investor Contact:
Tom Colton and Alec Wilson
Gateway Group, Inc.
949-574-3860
BYRN@gateway-grp.com

FAQ

What is the annual production capacity of Byrna's new ammunition facility in Fort Wayne?

The new facility has the capacity to produce 8 million rounds of proprietary less-lethal ammunition per year.

When will BYRN's new ammunition production facility reach full output capacity?

The facility's equipment is expected to reach full output capacity by mid-April 2025.

How many production machines does Byrna's new ammunition facility operate?

The facility currently operates with three SAM machines and one Amtek machine, with plans to potentially add two more SAM machines.

What would be the additional monthly capacity if BYRN adds two more SAM machines?

Adding two more SAM machines would increase monthly output capacity by approximately 150,000 rounds.

What is the weekly operating schedule for Byrna's new ammunition facility?

The facility operates on a 116-hour weekly schedule, running two shifts Monday through Thursday, plus a weekend shift.