An Israeli weapons company is opening a manufacturing plant in Rapid City that will create at least 19 new full-time jobs.

TDI Arms, which specializes in military-grade weapons accessories, will receive a $50,000 grant from the Rapid City Economic Development Partnership to defray relocation costs.

The funding will come from the Opportunity Capture Fund, a city 2012 project intended to financially assist economic development in Rapid City. Previous grant recipients include Northrop Grumman, Cabela's and South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.

According to a Sept. 30 memorandum of understanding, TDI Arms must create at least 19 full-time jobs by the end of 2011, or the grant reverts to a loan. The company must immediately repay the city if the plant closes or relocates within three years of opening.

When contacted Wednesday for additional information, Mayor Alan Hanks deferred to the Governor's Office of Economic Development, which is planning an announcement in the coming week. Firearms is one of five targeted industries being recruited by the governor's office.

TDI Arms sells accessories for weapons such as the AK-47, M16, Beretta F92, Colt 1911, and Glock. Their catalog includes grips, laser mounts, rail systems, knives, bipods, optics, body armor and vests.

Benjamin Snow, president of Rapid City Economic Development, said details of the move would be forthcoming.

"We're excited to be bringing this company to Rapid City," Snow said. "They're going to be doing some great things."

Contact Emilie Rusch at 394-8453 or emilie.rusch@rapidcityjournal.com