The Silver State Armory in Packwood is now authorized to test ammunition outdoors, despite its location in a designated no-shooting zone.
The Lewis County Commission on Monday approved an ordinance that provides an exemption for the armory to conduct the testing.
The SSA manufactures custom brass cases and ammunition; according to the company’s website, customers include law enforcement, security agencies, hunters and both domestic and foreign militaries.
The SSA began production in Packwood in January 2010. According to General Manager Art Kalwas, the company currently performs all of its testing in an underground facility.
The new exemption allows the armory to conduct tests that require more room.
Kalwas said even with the passage of the ordinance, most testing will remain underground. He said the company employs 22 people. At the meeting, Commissioner Ron Averill said the armory has been a boon to the unincorporated community of Packwood, which has struggled financially since the Packwood mill closed in 1998.
The armory’s facility was built with the help of an $800,000 loan the county gave the armory through the East County Public Development Authority. The loan is expected to be paid back over 20 years.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.