CZ-USA & Dan Wesson Firearms plant in Norwich continues to manufacture Dan Wesson 1911’s along with revolver parts and accessories. With a current staff of 33 and growing.(Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY – In light of National Manufacturing Day on October 1, Commerce Chenango has chosen to highlight three of the areas more niche manufacturers through a three part series of articles this week.

With a history so rich in early manufacturing, Chenango County would not be as it is today without the creators that not only have come before us, but the ones who grace us with their presence and expertise modern day.

With a large majority of Chenango County’s residents being passionate gun owners, we didn’t hesitate when given the chance to feature one of Chenango County’s most unique industries, CZ-USA & Dan Wesson Firearms. 

In 1968, Wesson Firearms Co., Inc., was founded by Daniel B. Wesson. His focus was on creating the absolute best quality and top performing products on the market. He valued quality so much that he insisted on keeping his product line small in an effort to ensure that every single gun he produced was of the highest caliber possible. He carried on with his mission until 1996, when the company changed hands and was acquired by Daniel Serva, who brought Wesson Firearms from Massachusetts to Norwich, NY in 1998.

Serva was determined to combine the Wesson high quality standards with modern manufacturing techniques, and after the arduous process of acquiring the proper tools, machinery, and methods, he successfully began a small production line in 2000.

Just five years later, CZ USA sought out the purchase of Wesson Firearms Co. as they admired the extraordinary quality of products and the company’s ingenuity.

This change opened the gateway to a more streamlined and innovative way to continue producing quality Wesson firearms, but this time by the world’s largest firearm manufacturer.

Today, the Norwich plant continues to manufacture Dan Wesson 1911’s along with revolver parts and accessories. With a current staff of 33 and growing and no plans to leave the area, Keith Lawton, Vice President of Operations for Dan Wesson Firearms, said “Dan Wesson’s motto was quality before quantity and we proudly continue that tradition all these years later.”

Both CZ and Dan Wesson firearms can be purchased locally at Mayhood’s Sporting Goods located at 5217 State Highway 12 Norwich, NY. More information about CZ USA and Dan Wesson firearms can be found on their website at https://cz-usa.com/.

Be sure to check tomorrow’s publication for part two of the three part series presented in honor of Manufacturing Day 2021.

To learn more about Manufacturing Day or to participate in a virtual learning experience, visit www.creatorswanted.org. To learn more about Commerce Chenango visit www.commercechenango.com.