SKOWHEGAN — A federally licensed distributor, importer and exporter of firearms has purchased two lots in Skowhegan’s Southgate Industrial Park with construction plans set for the spring.
Civil Arms Inc., based in Windham, with a partner company in Canada, bought the two end lots at the park on U.S. Route 201, south of downtown Skowhegan, for a total of $55,000, said Jeff Hewett, the town’s director of economic and community development.
The company is registered with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Hewett said the company plans a 12,000- to 15,000-square-foot warehouse with office spaces and conference room. The building will be placed in such a way that future expansions can be added on to it.
“They’re a re-seller of all firearms. They ship all over the world,” Hewett said. “The firearms are made from all over the country and from other countries.”
According to the Civil Arms website, the company supplies international dealers, distributors and individuals with firearms and accessories which are available in the United States. Services include direct sales, freight consolidation, importing and exporting, licensing, freight forwarding, consulting and compliance training. The staff has over 15 years of experience in the firearms industry importing and exporting firearms and accessories as well as customs brokerage and logistics, according to the website.
The company has corporate membership with the National Rifle Association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers.
Civil Arms Inc. owner Mike Breton did not return calls and an email this past week seeking comment. Hewett said he thought Breton and his wife were possibly at firearms shows out of the country.
Built in 2004 by the Skowhegan Economic Development Corp., the industrial park has six business lots. One lot is owned by Northeast Coffee Co., another is owned by the Hight auto group and two still are owned by the SEDC, according to Hewitt.
“We’ve got a lot more interest in people looking at the park,” Hewett said, noting its close proximity to Interstate 95. “All we can do is to continue pushing it. We’re trying to keep the price reasonable for businesses to grow. We try to make it fit what they need.”
Hewett said over the past two or three years his group has seen a “fairly good uptick of interest” of businesses looking to locate in Skowhegan.
He said the arrival of a new business on the town tax rolls is excellent news. The site plan is expected to be submitted in a matter of weeks for review.
“It’s definitely good news. They’re a very solid company, and they will be hiring people in the area — a few to start, and hopefully it will grow beyond that,” Hewett said.
Hewett said he doesn’t expect any potential problems with the warehousing of guns because it will be a secure facility, with little or no ammunition on premises.
“If they keep any ammunition it will be very small amounts, and it’s all in a secure facility within the facility,” he said.
Doug Harlow — 612-2367
Twitter:@Doug_Harlow
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