As of January 31, 2022 - GOEX has been purchased by Estes Energetics
The acquisition of GOEX was completed in January 2022. "We are extremely excited to extend the relationship with our loyal customers as we ramp up production to satisfy pent up demand later this year," said Karl Kulling, CEO of Estes Energetics.
In a press release posted Monday, September 27, 2021 Hodgdon announced they are stopping production of GOEX Blackpowder immediately.
Hodgdon® Announces Closure of GOEX facility
Effective immediately, Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc. has made the decision to cease manufacturing operations at the company’s Camp Minden, Louisiana site while evaluating strategic options for the black powder business.
The business will wind down operations while an evaluation process on the future of the black powder business takes place. Strategic options for the GOEX and Olde Eynsford brands of black powder, along with the manufacturing capabilities, will include a potential sale of the business. All affected employees will be retained through December 31, 2021 to assist in an orderly closing of the site and receive severance commensurate with their years of service to the company.
The Hodgdon Powder Co., Inc has been honored to have been a part of the GOEX Powder legacy and sustains a fond appreciation for sporting customers who have enjoyed shooting GOEX powders.
Hodgdon has stated that this decision is final, but they are looking to pass the brand into good hands so it can continue and muzzleloading enthusiasts can continue enjoying American made Blackpowder for generations to come.
The GOEX Brand has been a staple in the muzzleloading community since 1804 and until yesterday, it was the largest, if not only American made blackpowder. This news is potentially devastating to the muzzleloading community, which has seen record growth in the last two years.
Our goal with this petition is to show Hodgdon and potential GOEX buyers how much support the iconic brand has, and how many muzzleloading enthusiasts are here to continue to be customers.
If Hodgon shutters the brand and cannot sell it, the United States would be without an American made blackpowder for the first time since it’s inception, a concept hard to imagine for any student of history.
While there are several manufacturers in Europe who could take up the mantle and sell in the US market, and imported powder is great, my concern is with import laws. With the recent ban on imported ammunition we have seen in action how the presidential office can change the shooting sports market. Sure, Muzzleloading is a small sect of the overall shooting sports community, but a ban or limit on imported blackpowder (a low grade explosive) could effectively gut the muzzleloading community during a period of crucial growth.
If we want to save GOEX Powder, and possibly the sport in the US, we must be kind in our comments and writing. Each comment should highlight the importance of US made blackpowder to muzzleloading enthusiasts, both for blackpowder sports, and the preservation of US History.
This page, website, and petition is not associated with Hodgdon Powder Company
