ARMSCOR Grandest Triple Celebration

Arms Corporation of the Philippines (Armscor) and its parent, Squires Bingham Co., Inc., commemorate three significant anniversaries this year, each having substantial round numbers—50, 60, and 70. Last Wednesday, February 29, 2012, ARMSCOR had the grandest TRIPLE CELEBRATION held at the Manila Polo Club.

What does this triple celebration means?

Let’s start with 70. 70 years signifies how long the company has been Filipino-owned, specifically by the Tuason family.  In 1941, Don Celso Tuason bought Squires Bingham Company from American Arthur Hileman.

And 60. 60 years indicates the length of time they have been in manufacturing.  In 1952, President Ramon Magsaysay gave the company its first license to manufacture firearms and ammunition, giving rise to Squires Bingham Manufacturing Company, also known as Squibman.

Finally 50. 50 years represents the duration of Demetrio “Bolo” R. Tuason’s leadership of the company.  Early in his career, his father, Don Celso Tuason turned over the reign of the company, and groomed him to be Chairman and President.  This eventually led to the official birth of Armscor, the manufacturing company for firearms and ammunition.

That’s the three major things that we’ve celebrated with a bang. Armscor have been with us for many decades and they were so thankful for the continuous support. Meanwhile, as a way giving thanks to all the people who shared the moments of their Triple Celebration, Armscor raffled out seven, yes not one, not two but seven different guns. Unluckily, I didn’t won anything but it’s ok being invited on such event was already a enormous prize.

Scott “Gutsy” D. Tuason, Martin O. Tuason, Severo “Conkoy” J. Tuason and Demetrio “Bolo” R. Tuason

In addition to this historic triple celebration, 2012 paves the way for the official turnover of Bolo Tuason’s leadership to his only son Martin O. Tuason on January 1, 2013.  On top of becoming President and CEO of Armscor, Martin will maintain the position of CEO of Armscor Precision International (API), which represents Armscor in the USA.  Meanwhile, Severo “Conkoy” J. Tuason, Bolo’s brother, will sit as Chairman of the Board, while his son, Scott “Gutsy” D. Tuason, will assume the Presidency of parent company Squires Bingham Co., Inc.

This turnover denotes a significant opening of a new chapter in Armscor history.  Bolo Tuason testifies to this.  “The last 50 years has been quite a ride. I had my share of modest accomplishments and achievements...  I would like to believe that I have left a legacy of significant contributions to the firearm and ammunition industry through our efforts in promoting peace and security.  For my children and grandchildren, as well as my siblings and dedicated employees, I have built a business that is diverse and solid.”

Upon his retirement, he plans to travel, play golf, and spend more time with his wife and grandchildren.  Affirming his unwavering devotion to Armscor, he adds, “Of course, the company can always count on my support. After all, I still am a stockholder.”

Demetrio “Bolo” R. Tuason

Today, Armscor distributes firearms and ammunitions to more than 60 countries worldwide, and is ISO 9001 certified.  It is involved in partnerships with renowned global names in the industry.  Armscor Shooting Center, Inc., which distributes Armscor products in the Philippines, imports product lines from highly regarded names such as Tanfoglio S.N.C. of Italy, STI International of USA, Caracal of United Arab Emirates, and Sarsilmaz of Turkey, to name a few.  At present, Armscor is considered South East Asia’s largest private manufacturer of firearms and ammunition.

50, 60, and 70 years are certainly ample time spans for garnering a wealth of experiences, making Armscor what it is today.