April 4, 2014, was a day of celebration for Steyr Mannlicher and its American division, Steyr Arms, which marked the grand opening of its newest facility in Bessemer, Ala. The expansion, which required a $1.7 million investment and will create several jobs, includes a new 33,000-square-foot facility that houses a showroom, a live-fire range and an assembly area where employees will put together the newest Steyr AUG.

To celebrate the grand opening, Ernst Reichmayer, the owner of Steyr Mannlicher, flew in from Austria to offer some words along with other officials, including Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley and NRA Vice President Allan Cors. After a complete tour of the new facility and some live-fire demonstrations, many of the officials offered inspiring speeches.

Reichmayer spoke about the centuries-old history of firearms making — not only from Steyr Mannlicher — that has taken place in Steyr, Austria. Having used guns since his childhood, he expressed his heartfelt honor and privilege to own such a storied company. Brian Hilson, the chief executive of the Birmingham Business Alliance, also spoke about his past hunting experiences using a Steyr rifle with his son.

The first Steyr AUG produced in the Bessemer facility was presented to Mayor Kenneth Gulley, while NRA Vice President Allan Cors was given a high-end hunting rifle to auction as a fundraiser at the 2014 NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits in Indianapolis, Ind., later this month. Deputy Chief Mike Roper of the Bessemer Police Department was presented a new Steyr pistol in commemoration of Steyr Arms’ dedication to the law enforcement community.

Steyr Arms continues to import the worlds finest hunting and sporting rifles from Steyr Mannlicher and Merkel, along with precision rifles and pistols. It marks a new beginning that looks to spark years of continuous growth in service and product development. Coincidentally, Steyr Mannlicher will be celebrating its 150th anniversary this same month.

Steyr Arms’ new showroom provides a comfortable atmosphere to view some of the finest hunting and sporting rifles in the world. Assembling the AUG in Bessemer will bring this proven combat rifle to more officers, shooters and enthusiasts all over the country. Keep your eyes peeled for more exciting things from Steyr Arms in the future. For more information, visit steyrarms.com or call 205-417-8644.