CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Weapons manufacturer VK Integrated Systems is relocating their Fullerton, California-based headquarters to Clarksville, the Clarksville-Mongtomery County Industrial Development Board (IDB) announced Wednesday.
VK Integrated Systems chose Clarksville-Montgomery County as their new location for research, development and manufacturing. This move was decided not just because of what the company calls the community's strategic location, but also its successful, decades-long relationship with Fort Campbell.
"Through our partnership with the Campbell Strong Defense Alliance, we were introduced to the team from VK Integrated Systems and then began the conversation on how Clarksville-Montgomery County could better facilitate their needs," said Frank Tate, Executive Director of the IDB. "It is part of the IDB's long-term strategy to target tech and professional companies that are currently located in higher tax burden states and begin discussions with them on how relocating to a business-friendly state, such as Tennessee, is a win-win for everyone."
VK Integrated Systems says they will be bringing with them 25-50 high-paying jobs to the Clarksville area.
The weapon company's transition to Tennessee will take place over the next 12-18 months. Top executives with the company may move as soon as September of this year.
The company's office space in Clarksville has already been secured. The process of constructing a building that suits their specifications will begin in the near future.
"Our goal is to diversify our industrial park by continuing the pursuit of headquarters and research and development projects with higher than average wages," said Jeff Truitt, CEO of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council.
Truitt added that their strategic vision is to target recruitment efforts to smaller companies with higher paying jobs, while also creating higher end office space. The hope is to retain professionals who travel outside of Montgomery County for work, as well as attract new talent to the area.
"We have been impressed with the community and all the valuable assets they will bring to the table that will help continue our success," said Vasilios K. Kapogianis, president and CEO of VK Integrated Systems. "We know this is just the beginning of a long-lasting professional partnership and we are excited to see the growth of VK Integrated Systems in Clarksville-Montgomery County."
According to their website, VK Integrated Systems has been manufacturing, assembling, programming, firing and delivering data from rifles with integrated electronics since 2014. The company also researches, develops and manufactures hardware and software for use in hand-held weapon systems.
