Ammo makes plans to expand Lewiston operations

Vista Outdoor Inc. plans to expand its ammunition manufacturing capacity in Lewiston, creating up to 137 new jobs, to meet increasing market demand.

The shooting sports and outdoor products manufacturer employs about 1,400 people in three Lewiston locations totaling 315,000 square feet.

Expansion plans include hiring engineers, program managers, technicians and manufacturing employees, Vista said Monday.

The Idaho Economic Advisory Council approved the company for a tax reimbursement incentive of 28 percent for 14 years. That applies to income, payroll and sales taxes.

In addition, Nez Perce County Commissioners on Monday approved a partial five-year property tax exemption for the expansion with an estimated value of $2 million.

County Commissioner Bob Tippett said the ammunition and gun manufacturing sector “represents nearly one out of every five jobs in the county, and is a critical part of our economy.”

The Utah-based company’s brands include CCI and Speer.