Federal Cartridge - History

History

On April 27, 1922, Charles L. Horn took control of a small plant in Anoka, Minnesota and refounded Federal Cartridge Corporation. Horn launched an innovative distribution plan that involved merchandising Federal products in grocery stores, barbers shops, and filling stations. The plan helped Federal achieve local and national recognition in an industry entrenched with older and larger ammunitions companies. In 1941, Federal earned an $87 million dollar contract from the U.S. government (Approx. $1.3 billion in 2010) to build and operate the $30 million Twin City Ordnance Plant (TCOP). Federal's TCOP plant was awarded Army-Navy "E" for excellence of production of war materials. Federal's production was said to have played a major role in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. After 55 years of service, Charles L. Horn retired from Federal Cartridge Corporation. William B. Horn, son of Charles, took control and expanded Federal's advertising and marketing programs, increasing the company's visibility. Federal was the first manufacturer to color code its shotshells by gauge in 1960. It converted from paper to plastic hull shotshells in 1965 and was at the forefront in the development of nontoxic shells. Federal was the first manufacturer to introduce a steel load in 1973. In 1977, William B. Horn introduced Federal's Premium® line of centerfire rifle and shotshell ammunition. This helped define the company and the quality of product it produces. Federal's Premium® line is still used throughout the company to this date. Federal also owned Hoffman Engineering, a company that made electronic enclosures. In 1985, Federal was sold to a group of private investors including Kelso & Company, BancBoston Capital and members of the management team. The two companies were united under the name Federal-Hoffman, Inc and taken private during the sale. However, in 1988, Pentair Inc., a diversified manufacturer based in Minnesota, agreed to acquire FC Holdings Inc., the holding company for Federal-Hoffman Inc., for $175 million USD in cash and the assumption of debt. Federal-Hoffman have since split and Federal is currently owned by ATK. Federal Cartridge does business today as, Federal Premium Ammunition.