Ikonick Energetics has opened a primer manufacturing plant in Indiantown, adding production capacity to its ammunition operation in Martin County. The company said the facility can produce up to a billion primers a year at full capacity.
Richard Rhatigan, vice president of law enforcement and government sales at Ikonick USA, said the primer ignites the powder inside the brass casing, making it one of four core components in a cartridge. Cameras were not allowed inside the Indiantown plant, but the company gave reporters a look at its Stuart facility, where workers combine the primer, brass casing and projectile into finished rounds.
With the Indiantown site online, Ikonick says about 75% of each round is now made in Martin County. The company plans to hire more than 100 people across its two locations, including entry-level and specialized manufacturing jobs.
The Indiantown Chamber of Commerce called the plant a significant investment in advanced manufacturing for the region. Ikonick also said the Martin County operations will help supply ammunition for state and local law enforcement training.
The expansion comes as Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties all report unemployment rates above the statewide average, according to the latest data.
