'A monumental milestone': Firearm parts manufacturer breaks ground in Richmond Hill

Buck Holly remembers the days when he barely had two nickels to his name.

Monday morning, he stood on what would soon be the expansion of his firearm parts facility C&H Precision. As he addressed the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony, he reflected on the days when he worked three shifts to make ends meet and grow his business.

"This groundbreaking project is a monumental milestone for Georgia," said Holly. "By doubling our workforce and creating hundreds of high-paying jobs, we're not only expanding our operations but also investing in the future of our community. This is more than just bricks and mortar – it's a catalyst for regional prosperity, attracting talent and investment that will benefit everyone."

Congressman Buddy Carter, State Representative Ron Stephens and more were on hand to celebrate the occasion.

“This is the type of thing we need to be celebrating,” said Carter, who represents Georgia’s first congressional district. “Not only are we talking about a family-owned business but a veteran-owned business. I was a small business owner for many years. I know what he has been through. There is no job above you. You do whatever it takes. Buck has done that, and now he is reaping those rewards.”

The 50,000-square-foot facility on Mustang Court in Richmond Hill will open in April 2025. The new facility will include a dedicated gun range, a coffee shop and more.

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“It is a premier business here in Richmond Hill,” said Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce President Summer Beal. “This company is intrinsically involved in all that happens here. Innovative ideas have kept them at the forefront of the community. They have come a long way in a very short time. I’m excited to see what else comes from C&H Precision.”

Holly’s company manufacturers adapters that allows you to put a red dot sight on top of a pistol, as well as plates and screws. On average, the company manufacturers 300,000-400,000 parts a year.

“I’m not going to say we're not in the firearms industry but we're an arm's reach away from it,” said Holly. “We don't manufacture the firearm. Nothing we do is controlled or serialized.”

The company's expansion does, however, affirm the State of Georgia's continuing efforts to grow defense and firearms manufacturing in the state. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, 13 firearms manufacturing companies have relocated to or expanded in Georgia. The National Shooting Sports Foundation named Georgia one of the Top 10 states in the U.S. for firearms manufacturing.

Georgia is also ranked fourth in the nation for the total number of gun deaths.

Holly pointed to a lack of education regarding gun use and said he plans to offer educational courses to teach folks the proper way to use a firearm.

“It’s about firearms advocacy instead of attempting to further ban or restrict the ownership,” said Holly. “All my kids have grown up around firearms safely. These courses will be offered to moms and dads to come learn to shoot.”

The company currently has 30-40 employees and Holly hopes to grow that number to 100-150 in the next two years.

“I always get proud when we open a new business or expand a new business,” said Richmond Hill Mayor Russ Carpenter. “At the end of the day it means jobs. Today is special due to Buck’s presence in a small town. On behalf of Richmond Hill, we are proud of you.”

But those laborers may not be easy to find. The Savannah Economic Development Authority’s workforce study revealed there is a shortage of talent in the area.

Holly admitted he is worried about competition from Hyundai but has stepped up his benefits package to lure people to available positions.

“I feel that threat every single day,” said Holly in reference to competing with Hyundai for laborers. “But look at what we're doing here. We are paying people a good wage, better than average, by incentivizing them with annual bonuses between 10-20% of their annual salary and putting a café in so that they have a place to eat breakfast and lunch. They are going to get a discount card to eat there so they don't have to Uber Eats.”Holly understands humble beginnings, which is why he invests not only into his employees but the community who has supported him every step of the way.

"C&H Precision is more than just a manufacturer," said Holly. "We are a company that prioritizes community engagement and actively participates in initiatives that enrich the lives of those around us. Our project represents not only our dedication to excellence in manufacturing but also our steadfast commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the communities we call home."

Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: C&H Precision holds groundbreaking for 50,000-square-foot facility