At this time we don’t have official word that GOEX has been purchased by any company in particular, but one rumor is starting to see some backing.

In this job posting, posted 12 days ago, Estes Energetics shares that they are looking for a corporate controller in Minden, LA - the home of the Minden GOEX Facility.

The controller will oversee the finances and accounting of Estes Energetics. The controller will manage the accounting, financial reporting, financial planning, internal controls, and purchasing of the company. As the company’s first controller, the successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to shape and influence the accounting and finance function. The successful candidate will have prior experience establishing or improving this function in innovative ways that meet control and compliance requirements while maintaining the company’s agility and speed. With time, the successful candidate may grow into the Chief Financial Officer role.

Estes doesn’t currently have any office in Minden, fueling support for the rumor the hobby rocket company has purchased GOEX. What supports this theory further is a short list of desired experience in the job application -

Defense industry or government contracting experience

While Hodgdon was tight lipped about any governement contracts, it is common knowledge that the US Military still uses blackpowder in some artillery functions. This unique detail in the job posting could further support the rumor behind Estes purchasing GOEX.

*This forum post, seen* *here, is the earliest record we can find of the job posting being shared publicly in the muzzleloading community.*

State Documents

Lousiana Secretary of State records now show the Principle business office of GOEX Industries LLC as the SAME address as the Estes Energetics Company.

Why would Estes want with GOEX?

It may seem odd for a model rocket company to purchase the GOEX facility, it’s not totally out of line.

To clarify, Estes Energetics is a spin out of the original Estes brand that bridges the gap between hobby and industrial/government rocket use.

When news first broke about the GOEX sale, one of the websites with the highest traffic to I Love Muzzleloading’s interview with Hodgdon was a model rocket forum.

About Estes Energetics

Estes Energetics provides full-spectrum engineering capabilities making us an ideal partner to rapidly create propulsion and aerospace solutions. Whether you simply need an existing solid rocket motor from our portfolio customized to your application or a completely integrated system with new technology, we work with you to find a solution. Our capabilities include research & development, production, testing, and integration of small/tactical-sized solid rocket motors.

Estes Energetics is a spinout of Estes Industries, the world leader in small solid-propellant rocket motors, and bridges the gap between the hobby and rocket industry and large aerospace companies. We are focused on serving government and commercial customers across a range of industries and applications.

When will we know?

At the time of writing we don’t have any official release from anyone, including Estes or Hodgdon about who has purchased the GOEX brand and facility. Whoever purchased GOEX may not continue to produce sporting powder for muzzleloading enthusiasts, right now it’s too soon to tell what will happen and when. I Love Muzzleloading will update you as soon as we hear anything more about this story.