Robert I. Landies, the owner and founder of Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc. (OOW), has been involved with ordnance for over 45 years. Beginning in 1964, Mr. Landies started his career working at TRW in the Jet Engine Division and eventually moved to the Navy Torpedo Division. Continuing as a collector and gun-smith of military rearms, he gained extensive knowledge in a variety of different weapon systems and designs during his seven years of military service with the U.S. Army in both active and reserve duty as an armor officer. In 1981, this knowledge was brought to a full time business with the establishment of what is today known as Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc.

During the years 1981–1990, OOW engaged primarily in buying and selling military firearms, parts and accessories in the commercial market. Qualified employees and manufacturing machinery were added which facilitated the development of a repair department and the ability to build small orders of firearms from scratch for the commercial market.

In 1990, OOW began manufacturing firearms and ordnance for supply to different foreign and domestic government agencies. This capacity has expanded steadily over the years due to a wide base of weapon system knowledge, qualified personnel, state of the art machinery, new technology, and a commitment to excellence in both products and services.