CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – VK Integrated Systems broke ground today on their new manufacturing plant in Clarksville at the Corporate Business Park.
As announced in August 2019, VKIS is moving its headquarters and manufacturing to Clarksville from its previous home in Fullerton, California.
Matthew To, Vasilio Kapogianis, and Konscantinos Kapogianis, breaking ground at the site of VK Integrated Systems at the corner of International Boulevard and Ross Rd. in Clarksville on, July 8, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Plans for the new VK Integrated Systems plant in Clarksville. (Contribute)
Matthew To, Vasilio Kapogianis, and Konscantnos Kapogianis breaking ground at the site of VK Integrated Systems at the corner of International Boulevard and Ross Rd. in Clarksville on, July 8, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Team members of VK Integrated Systems at the groundbreaking of the new facility at the corner of International Boulevard and Ross Rd. in Clarksville on, July 8, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Vasilios Kapogianis, CEO of VK Integrated Systems speaks at the groundbreaking for the new facility at the corner of International Blvd. and Ross Rd. in Clarksville, on July 8, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Konscantinos Kapogianis with VK Integrated Systems speaks at the groundbreaking for the new facility at the corner of International Blvd. and Ross Rd. in Clarksville, on July 8, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett speaking at the groundbreaking of the new VK Integrated Systems facility at the corner of International Boulevard and Ross Rd. in Clarksville on, July 8, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Will Sanders speaking at the groundbreaking of the new VK Integrated Systems facility at the corner of International Boulevard and Ross Rd. in Clarksville on, July 8, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Thomas Myers speaking at the groundbreaking of the new VK Integrated Systems facility at the corner of International Boulevard and Ross Rd. in Clarksville on, July 8, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new VK Integrated Systems facility at the corner of International Blvd. and Ross Rd. in Clarksville, on July 8, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
On Friday, Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and VKIS announced the company will invest $840,000 to relocate the manufacturing operations.
“Tennessee offers companies an unmatched business climate and highly skilled workforce,” Lee said. “Montgomery County is the ideal location for VK Integrated Systems’ manufacturing operations, and I thank this company for its commitment to job creation in Tennessee.”
VKIS will create an additional 34 jobs as the company completes construction on a new facility at 40 International Blvd., according to a state news release.
Through this project, VKIS’ manufacturing sector will join the company’s headquarters and research and development operations. All three faces of the company will be housed at the International Boulevard location once construction is complete.
Choosing Clarksville
“We are proud to add VK Integrated Systems to our state’s growing roster of California companies choosing to relocate their headquarters and expand their manufacturing facilities in Tennessee,” Rolfe said. “As a weapons systems manufacturer, this company’s investment in Clarksville will further strengthen the advanced manufacturing footprint in Northern Middle Tennessee while also boosting the quality of life experienced in Montgomery County.”
VKIS chose Clarksville due not only to the community’s strategic location but also a successful, decades-long relationship with Fort Campbell.
“VK Integrated Systems is excited to further our expansion into Middle Tennessee and grow deeper roots in Clarksville and Montgomery County communities, said Vasilios Kapogianis, VKIS president. “As a values-based company, we look forward to contributing to the growth of industry and strengthening the local economy with American-made goods.”
Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett said local leaders gladly welcomed VKIS to the community in 2019.
“I remember the first time I met Vasilios and his father. I knew right then that we wanted them here in Montgomery County and they wanted to be here,” Durrett said. “Now they have completed their commitment by breaking ground on their manufacturing operations. We know the quality of jobs and their manufacturing operations will bring and we are excited about this opportunity for our residents.”
About VK Integrated Systems
VK Integrated Systems specializes in research and development as well as the manufacturing of hardware, software and supporting architecture for handheld weapons systems, the release said. The company has been manufacturing, assembling, programming, firing and delivering data from rifles with integrated systems since its founding in 2014.
“I’m thrilled VK Integrated Systems is relocating its manufacturing operations to Clarksville with the addition of 34 new jobs,” said state Sen. Bill Powers of Clarksville. “More and more companies are realizing Tennessee is a great place to live and do business. We look forward to the company’s future success.”
Rep. Curtis Johnson of Clarksville congratulated the company on the groundbreaking. “The decision by VK Integrated Systems to relocate its manufacturing operations to Clarksville highlights the business-friendly economy, skilled workforce and great quality of life that we have in Montgomery County.”
Gun industry announcements
VKIS isn’t alone in choosing Clarksville as a home for gun industry manufacturing. In May 2021, firearms manufacturer Troy Industries announced it is relocating its headquarters and manufacturing operations from Massachusetts to Clarksville, in part because of the “changing climate” for gunmakers.
The Troy move represents a $7.2 million investment and the creation of 75 jobs over five years. Troy is one of America’s largest suppliers of small arms accessories and weapon upgrades. The company supplies firearms to military, law enforcement and civilians.
This article will be updated.