Featured SIG Sauer GmbH Shutters It’s German Doors Travis Pike June 5, 2020 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More SIG Sauer is a big company with an impressive legacy, and today marks a darker chapter in its history. The German arm of SIG, SIG Sauer GmbH, located in Eckernförde, Germany, is closing its doors. The arms company has been struggling, and SIG Sauer GmbH shareholders have chosen not to increase their investment. Approximately 130 employees will be laid off as the German plant is closed. The German plant has been in operation since 1951 and has operated as SIG Sauer since 1976. SIG Sauer GmbH is a separate entity from SIG Sauer USA and Swiss company SIG Sauer AG. All three companies are owned by Lüke & Ortmeier Holding Gruppe, also known as L&O Holding. L&O Group also owns Mauser, Blaser, and Sauer. To be clear, this has no effect on SIG Sauer USA's operation. Managing Director Tim Castagne told a German public broadcaster NDR, “Due to its international orientation, SIG Sauer is systematically excluded from tenders [in Germany].” His reference is to the Bundeswehr rifle replacement competition of which SIG Sauer has been excluded from due to the US nature of their weapon’s development. SIG Sauer GmbH has also run into legal trouble with the exportation of handguns to Colombia. That situation was resolved early last year. They has also been the target of German disarmament campaigners SIG Sauer GmbH released this statement: The locational disadvantages in Germany for SIG Sauer do not economically allow for manufacturing of sports and LE/military firearms in the future. Legislation is increasingly restricting the use of sports firearms. When awarding public contracts, both the German police and the Bundeswehr prefer a few local producers. SIG Suer is systematically excluded from tenders due to its international orientation, most of its developments originating from the USA. Nevertheless, the shareholders have made major financial contributions to the stabilisation of the company in recent years and the company has implemented drastic cost-cutting measures. This was intended to secure the traditional company and jobs in Germany. In addition to the existing problems, there are the current effects of the Corona crisis, which place an additional considerable economic burden on the continuation of business operations in Eckernförde. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
