In the grand scheme of things, rocket motors aren’t too far off from black powder propellants in terms of what both compounds do. Estes Energetics, a newly formed company born from the well-known Estes Industries rocket motor company, has made plans to continue the legacy that the GOEX has built by acquiring the company from Hodgdon. Back in September of 2021, Hodgdon made the decision to shut down the GOEX production facility which was a disappointment to both black powder shooters and general gun owners alike. Thankfully, the small model rocket motor company has not only picked up the GOEX line but has created an entirely new company around it.

More Industry News @ TFB: 

• Hodgdon Announces Closure of GOEX Facility
• Mossberg Chairman and Descendant Alan Mossberg Passes Away
• Henry Names Andy Wickstrom as New Company President

GOEX Black Powder Lives On Through 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.

Black powder is most commonly known for its use in black powder firearms. While modern smokeless substitutes do exist, there are several areas in which black powder, regardless of its shortcomings, is a superior choice for the desired effect. In addition to the firearms industry, black powder is used extensively within the fireworks industry and hobby rocketry industry.

Many speculated back in September of 2021 that Hodgdon chose to close down the GOEX plant due to a recent explosion and fire that occurred in June of 2021. Thankfully, no one was injured and the fire was contained but this incident led many to believe that the cost of running the plant was becoming too much of a risk for Hodgdon as this most recent incident was the 7th since the company’s move to the Minden, Louisianna location back in 1997.

Moving forward it seems that Estes Energetics aims to not only continue the proud legacy of GOEX black powder production but add new layers of quality control, engineering capability, and safety to the GOEX brand. As the GOEX plant is the last of its kind on the commercial scale, I am glad to see that someone has picked up the brand and is planning on continuing production.