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Business is exploding for Elk Grove firm

When actor Samuel L. Jackson fires a rocket-propelled grenade launcher in the trailer from the new movie “The Avengers” most people probably think “Hey that's cool!” Bob Walter, president of Airtronic USA may also think it's cool, but he takes issue with Jackson's form. “He is holding it wrong” says Walter. He knows he is holding it wrong because he made it, and many more like it, at the Elk Grove Village weapons business.

Airtronic USA is the only manufacturer of the RPG7-USA and the new lightweight MK 777 rocket-propelled grenade launchers in the U.S. The company began making medical and aviation products in 1990, and since 1997 has been making weapons parts and complete weapons systems including grenade launchers, machine guns and the two RPG models.

“The RPG has been around for 40 plus years and is capable of taking out tanks, fuel air bombs and the like,” Walter says.

Their high-quality tool steel products are sold to the U.S. Department of Defense and other countries worldwide. Hollywood uses the non-firing versions. But don't bother asking Santa, these babies aren't available to civilians.

  Employee Cheng Cheng Zong feels the recoil from the grenade launcher at Airtronic USA. Bill Zars/bzars@dailyherald.com
  Employee Cheng Cheng Zhong gets instruction on the assembly of a grenade launcher from Mike Conidi, quality assurance manager at Airtronic USA. Bill Zars/bzars@dailyherald.com
  Barrels for the RPG7 that have been plated will receive a matte black finish at Airtronic USA. Bill Zars/bzars@dailyherald.com
  Checking an accessory rail are Eric Jozaitis, left, program manager, and Dwayne Thorp, shop foreman at Airtronic USA. Bill Zars/bzars@dailyherald.com
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