Accokeek, MD - Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam joined Dott. Franco Gussalli Beretta, Executive Vice President of Beretta U.S.A., last week at the ground breaking ceremony for the Beretta U.S.A.'s new campus and manufacturing facility in Gallatin, Tennessee.

The Tennessee Army National Guard's Color Guard Unit opened the ceremony, which was presided over by Mr. James Fenton, Executive Director of Gallatin's Economic Development Agency.

More than 150 people were on hand for the occasion, including distinguished guests from the firearm industry, hunting and conservation organizations and the National Rifle Association. Tennessee political leaders Governor Haslam, Senator Lamar Alexander, Congresswoman Diane Black, Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty, and Gallatin Mayor Jo Ann Graves addressed the crowd that included numerous other Tennessee dignitaries, local business executives and other invited guests.

Dott. Beretta spoke from the podium, giving his personal thanks to the Governor, to the Governor's team and to Gallatin public officials. "You have welcomed us in a very meaningful way and I want to thank you for that and I want to thank you in advance for the welcome you will give our employees, too."

Beretta's Chief Operation Officer and General Manager, Mr. Jeff Cooper, spoke of the opportunities afforded by Beretta U.S.A.'s decision to move its entire manufacturing and engineering capability to Gallatin, stating, "This is where we will now perform some of our most critical work for our military, law enforcement and civilian customers, both in the United States and throughout the world."

Beretta U.S.A.'s extensive search for the location for the new facility included specific site searches of 80 locations in seven states. According to Cooper, Tennessee and Gallatin in particular provided not only the requisite infrastructure but also aspects of community support that would be important to Beretta U.S.A.'s business future and to the company's employees.

Beretta U.S.A. announced in January 2014 its decision to open another facility outside the State of Maryland in order to increase manufacturing capabilities. In July 2014 the Company decided to move its entire manufacturing and related departments to the new facility in Gallatin. That decision reflected concern over the potential for future legislative restrictions that may impede firearm manufacturing in Maryland.

The Gallatin campus and manufacturing facility will be completed in phases over the next five years with Phase One expected to be complete in mid-2015. The Tennessee facility will involve approximately $45 million in investment in building and equipment and employment of around 300 people.

Beretta, established in 1526, is the oldest industrial dynasty in the world tracing its roots through 16 generations of continuous family ownership. Firearms bearing the Beretta name have been sold for almost 500 years. Beretta USA Corp. was founded in 1977 and supplies the standard sidearm to the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, Beretta manufactures, distributes and markets a complete line of firearms, accessories and apparel. Beretta also owns and operates six retail Beretta Gallery stores worldwide. For additional information, visi www.Beretta.com.

For employment information please visi www.jobs4tn.gov

Contact:
Jeff Reh
JReh@BerettaUSA.com
301-283-2191 ext. 1223