Background
Fabrique Nationale Herstal (FNH) is a subsidiary of the Belgian based company the Herstal Group. The Herstal Group is known around the globe for the quality and performance of its products. Under the brand names FN Herstal, Browning, and Winchester, the Herstal Group designs, manufactures, and distributes a full range of firearms and accessories for defense, law enforcement, hunting, and marksmanship.
The tradition of gunsmithing in Belgium goes back more than 500 years. In 1889 the gunsmiths in Belgium’s Liege region formed an association to fill an order from the Belgian military for 150,000 Mauser rifles under license. Thus “Fabrique Nationale” formed and was the origin of today’s “FN,” a designation that is still a worldwide hallmark of quality.
In 1897, the FN tradition expanded with the partnership of John Moses Browning, one of the most innovative firearms designers in history. Together, Herstal and Browning produced several of the most prestigious weapons and firearms in the world: the 9mm Hi-Power pistol, Browning machine guns, Auto-5 auto loading shotgun, .22 semi-automatic rifle, B25 superposed shotgun – arms that were “Made in Belgium” and are still legendary.
70% of the US Army’s Small Arms
In the field of Defense, FN Herstal is synonymous with innovation and dependability. Our products received the ultimate acknowledgement in 1957 and 1982, respectively, when NATO adopted our 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm caliber ammunition designs as standards. The success of the M249, M240, .50 caliber machine guns, and fielding of the FAL (Light Assault Rifle) by more than 90 countries all demonstrate FN Herstal’s commitment to excellence. In the 1990’s FN was granted the license to manufacture the M16 assault rifle.
In the United States FN is represented by two entities FNH USA, which is responsible for sales, marketing, and business development, and FNM which handles the manufacturing. The two have a combined workforce of approximately 900 employees.
FNH USA was started in 1998 in McLean, Va. FNH USA is split into two separate division; military operations, and law enforcement / commercial operations. The role of FNH USA is to coordinate business development with all government agencies and grow FN market share in the law enforcement and commercial sector.
FN Manufacturing, located in Columbia, South Carolina, is the US manufacturing arm of FNH. Design, research and development, and manufacturing activities are shared between the Belgian site in Liege and Columbia, South Carolina. FNM produces small caliber weapons for the US Government (DoD and law enforcement). Some of the weapons that FNM produces for the US Government are M16 rifles, M249 light machine guns, M240 medium machine guns, and FNP pistols. FNM is one of only three small arms manufacturers designated by the US Government as the “industry base” for small arms production. Our reputation for quality and reliability is clearly demonstrated by the fact that 70% of the small arms used by U.S. Forces around the globe bear the FN name.
Future Weapons
One of FN’s latest designs, and potentially one of its most influential family of weapons, are the 5.56 mm MK16, 7.62mm MK17, and 40 mm Enhanced Grenade Launcher Model (EGLM) developed under the Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle program (SCAR). In January 2004 US Special Operations Command began soliciting for a new assault rifle, the SCAR. November of the same year the FN model of the SCAR was chosen over 11 other bids. The power behind the FN SCAR is directly related to its modularity (capable of 8 different configurations) and its development. The weapons were developed hand in hand with SOF operators and FN engineers. The MK16, MK17, and EGLM weapon systems are currently undergoing the final phase of operational testing by all of the services and are projected to be fully fielded to USSOCOM by the end of FY2009. The MK16, MK17, and EGLM are truly an operator envisioned, tested, and chosen weapon system.
We are also strengthening our law enforcement product line. The compact, lightweight design of the P90 submachine gun has made it a weapon of choice for the federal protective services and other top tier organizations. The FNP family of pistols recently made its debut, ranging from .45 caliber to 9 mm. FN is also working on new concepts dealing with non-lethal and less-than-lethal systems such as the FN303 which has been used by law enforcement and our military overseas.
Quality and Reliability
For over a century, Fabrique Nationale Herstal and the Herstal Group have equipped hunters, recreational shooters, law enforcement, and military forces. Our solid reputation can be attributed to our rigorous professional ethics, our ongoing effort to achieve foremost quality, and our commitment to efficient service and outstanding customer support. Every one of our firearms, whether intended for law enforcement, military, or commercial use proudly bears the FNH oval. It is the mark that represents more than a century of experience making the finest firearms in the world.
Contact information:
1364 Beverly Road, Suite 200
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: (703) 288-3500
Email: davidm@fhnusa.com
http://www.fnhusa.com/
Under the brand names FN Herstal, Browning and Winchester, the Herstal Group designs, manufactures and distributes a full range of firearms and accessories for defence, law enforcement, hunting and marksmanship.