For the ninth year in a row, Sturm, Ruger & Co. has been named Firearms Manufacturer of the Year by the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW). Ruger was also named 2015 Firearms Innovator of the Year. Accepting the awards during the association's 42nd Annual Meeting at New Orleans, La., were Ruger President and COO Chris Killoy and Director of Sales Shawn Leska.
“On behalf of the over two thousand Ruger employees, I want to thank the NASGW for this recognition and both of these awards,” said Killoy. “Ruger remains committed to the two-step distribution process and continues to strive to bring exciting new products like the new Ruger Precision Rifle to wholesalers, retailers and consumers,” he concluded.
The Firearms Innovator of the Year award is given to the company that has developed a unique product, service or strategy that sets that company apart from its competitors; has made an outstanding contribution in furthering the image and development of shooting sports; enhances and increases significantly the growth and expansion of shooting sports; and actively supports NASGW and its wholesaler member firms. This year, the Ruger Precision Rifle helped the manufacturer earn the distinguished title of Firearms Innovator of the Year.
The Firearms Manufacturer of the Year recipient is determined by NASGW wholesaler members who evaluate the performance of manufacturers on four key criteria: distribution policy; marketing, sales and promotion; logistics and operations; and NASGW and industry support. This assessment of manufacturer performance is designed to provide a balanced appraisal that recognizes the best manufacturer in its category according to NASGW members.