Robbins may soon offer a financial boost to one of its newest — and fastest-growing — businesses. The town’s Board of Commissioners is set to vote next month on an economic incentive grant for OA Defense, the premium handgun manufacturer that relocated its headquarters to Robbins last year.
The proposed OA Defense economic incentive would be capped at roughly $126,500, paid out in stages over seven years. The grant is designed to offset a portion of the company’s local tax burden as it continues to expand its Moore County operations.
Why Robbins Is Considering the Grant
OA Defense moved from outside Reno, Nevada to a 30,000-square-foot facility in Robbins in 2025. The company now employs 25 people — mostly military veterans — on its shop floor, and leadership has signaled plans to add more positions in the coming years.
At a recent public hearing, no community opposition was raised to the incentive proposal. OA Defense President Chris Moore made clear the company sees the trade-off as fair for both sides. He pointed out that what the town gives up in taxes is offset by the company’s use of local utilities, infrastructure, and its growing workforce presence in Moore County.
A Good Fit for the Sandhills
Robbins has historical ties to firearm manufacturing — the town was founded in part around production of the Kennedy rifle in the late 1700s. OA Defense, which makes the 2311 model pistol and other premium handguns, is in many ways a continuation of that legacy.
Sandhills Community College and Montgomery Community College have both toured the facility and begun exploring future apprenticeship and training partnerships for students interested in precision manufacturing careers.
What Happens Next
The Robbins Board of Commissioners will take a formal vote on the OA Defense economic incentive grant next month. If approved, the staggered tax break will go into effect as the company continues to grow within the town limits.
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