ELDRIDGE, Iowa — A homegrown Iowa firearms manufacturer just secured one of the biggest wins in its 45-year history. LMT Defense, based in Eldridge, has landed a decade-long contract worth up to $92 million with the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
“This was certainly larger than we had anticipated, but like everything else, you don’t give back your Christmas presents either,” said Karl Lewis, president of LMT Defense, describing the milestone with an upbeat smile.
Beating the Competition
The Eldridge company beat out nearly 10 other competitors for the deal, which will run over the next 10 years. The agreement covers rifles, spare parts, accessories, and training for SOCOM units — some of the most elite warfighters in the world.
“It takes a lot to put together a system that is at this level,” Lewis explained, noting the company’s long history of building firearms designed for precision and reliability.
From One Employee to Hundreds
LMT Defense began in 1980 with Lewis as its only employee. In the early days, he handled everything himself. “In the early years it was me,” he recalled. “And then I was fortunate enough to have some success in the first six to eight months…we now have over 200 people.”
That workforce continues to grow. Operations Vice President Michael Neff said the company currently has between 20 and 30 open positions ranging from machinists to engineers.
Global Reach from Iowa
While rooted in the Quad Cities, LMT has built a strong global footprint. Its rifles, grenade launchers, and suppressors are used by militaries worldwide, including the UK, New Zealand, Estonia, and most recently Switzerland.
“We’ve had a number of very good international successes,” Lewis said. “The UK, New Zealand, Estonia, recently with the Swiss companies — and we’re doing it here in Iowa.”
Live Inventory Price Checker
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Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT) MARS-H 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle - 20" | Rainier Arms | $ 4101.30 |
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Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT) MARS-H 7.62x51 Rifle - 20" | Rainier Arms | $ 3910.50 |
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Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT) MARS-L MLC 5.56 NATO Rifle - 16" | Rainier Arms | $ 2574.90 |
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Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT) MARS-L 5.56 MRP Rifle - 16" | Rainier Arms | $ 2622.60 |
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A Major Milestone
For the community, the contract means steady work, more hiring, and a bigger role for a company that has long supplied both U.S. forces and allied nations. For the firearms industry, it’s another reminder that American-made small arms continue to set the standard for innovation and reliability.
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The Lewis Machine & Tool “Pig Package” .308 Modular Weapon System
It’s a shame only SOCOM and foreign governments get access to all of LMT’s arms.
We as American citizens, as the American Militia should have access too, per the 2nd Amendment. The only barrier should be the number of green backs we’re willing to part with.