Las Vegas, NV (January 17, 2013) – During its meeting at the S.H.O.T. (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show), the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI), the premier organization representing the knife and tool industry and all knife and edged tool users, announced key data regarding the sporting knife and tool industry in the U.S. The economic impact and jobs created show the significant economic impact the sporting knife and tool industry has on the nation’s economy.
“AKTI, representing manufacturers, distributors, retailers and knife and tool users around the nation, is proud that our industry is a bright spot in the U.S. during difficult economic times and high unemployment,” commented Bill Raczkowski of Gerber and AKTI’s President. “Every knife and tool manufacturing and import or distribution company is a valued contributor to jobs, taxes and the economic viability in its city, county, state and region,” he added.
Data collected by a confidential survey conducted by the American Knife & Tool Institute of 2010 company information shows the sporting knife and tool industry has a $4.844 Billion total economic impact on the U.S. economy. Over 60 manufacturing, import and distribution companies generate more than $807.4 Million in gross revenue. Each dollar generated by the industry through suppliers and service providers, as well as in wages distributed and taxes paid, contributes needed and significant dollars to keep America going.
Companies that manufacture, import or distribute sporting knives and tools directly employ 3,566 people in the country. These are good, stable jobs in an economy where every job is important and millions of people are trying to find work.
The industry generates 17,830 support jobs in supplier and ancillary industries. These include jobs in companies supplying goods and services to manufacturers, importers and distributors. “That’s enough people to populate the entire city of Hannibal, Missouri, known as America’s hometown, and serve the thousands of visitors each year to keep Mark Twain’s spirit alive,” observed AKTI Executive Director Jan Billeb.
“Knives and tools are essential to daily life and millions of Americans use knives every day at work, home and in recreational activities so our industry’s impact extends to all areas of individuals’ lives,” noted Raczkowski. With sportsmen alone spending $90 Billion annually, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife 2011 Survey, the activities involving use of sporting knives and tools have a tremendous impact financially in the U.S.
The summary of the impact of the Sporting Knives and Tools in America can be found in the Resources section under Knife User Data.