Mark 7 Reloading

Mark 7 Reloading has built a reputation as a practical innovator in the ammunition reloading industry, focusing on simplifying a once-complex and labor-intensive process. They design and manufacture highly efficient automated ammunition reloading machines and conversion systems.

By offering advanced machines like the Revolution and Titan, Mark 7 has positioned itself as a trailblazer in its industry. Their products are flexible, and user-friendly, which have led to significant growth, customer loyalty, and a push for global expansion.

Mark 7 has simplified the reloading process by engineering reloading systems designed for ease of use, enhanced performance, and cost efficiency, catering to a variety of customer needs. Its flagship products, the Revolution and Titan, are widely recognized for their modularity, capable of reloading a wide range of calibers with minimal downtime. The Revolution machine, which remains one of the company’s core products, allows users to easily switch between calibers in a few hours at most. Mark 7’s innovative approach and consumer-friendly pricing, quickly gained the attention of reloading enthusiasts,

hobbyists, and small businesses across the United States, helping the company carve a niche in a competitive market. The company’s focus on customer service and high-quality engineering with strong customer support became key pillars in its early success.

“We have a full-time traveling tech when customers opt for an on-site setup. It’s more economical for one of our guys to go to the customer for a couple of days to get everybody trained, especially if they have four or five operators. Conversely, we also offer local, on-site training.”

As Mark 7 Reloading solidified its position in the U.S. market, it became clear that the potential for international expansion was significant. The company’s CEO, Rowan Connelly, emphasized the importance of diversifying the company’s customer base by targeting larger, international commercial businesses, particularly through the Titan machine. Unlike domestic customers, international markets presented unique challenges, including varying regulations and the need for larger-scale operations.

Internationally, Mark 7 faces competition from local manufacturers, such as those in Italy, who have established themselves in the commercial segment. Despite these challenges, the company’s reputation for delivering high-performance, adaptable equipment has allowed it to gain traction abroad. Mark 7’s international commercial business now represents 7-10% of its total sales, but with plans for rapid growth, the company aims to increase this share significantly in the coming years.

At the heart of Mark 7’s growth strategy is its commitment to engineering innovation. The company’s equipment is designed not only for efficiency but for simplicity and versatility. As Connelly noted, the modularity of Mark 7’s machines is a key differentiator. Unlike competitors’ machines, which may require specialized, expensive equipment for each caliber or involve complex conversion processes, Mark 7’s machines can be reconfigured for a range of calibers in a matter of hours — a significant advantage for businesses that need to adapt quickly to changing production needs. This flexibility allows for lower investment costs and faster production cycles, making it an attractive option for both small and large manufacturers.

Mark 7’s focus on ease of use is another distinguishing feature. Connelly explained that the company’s equipment is designed with the user in mind, ensuring that operators can perform tasks like priming, loading, and processing concurrently — or even split those tasks to double output.

“Our machines can prep and process once fired brass, they can prime and load, they can do all that at the same time. Or split up those three processes and get double output if you’re only doing processing or priming for example. That really makes the machine truly capable, and it also supports calibers that have never been done in a commercially available automated machine.”

This design allows the machines to operate across a wider range of calibers than many other commercially available reloading machines, which typically only accommodate a limited selection of ammunition types. Additionally, Mark 7’s ability to support calibers that are typically found only in custom, high-cost machines — such as the .338 caliber — positions the company as a provider of equipment that makes high-end reloading technology more accessible.

While the company’s products are not positioned to compete with the massive throughput of $100,000 machines that fill an entire room, they offer a rich set of features at a much lower price point, making them suitable for companies of various sizes. This balance of high functionality at a competitive price ensures that Mark 7’s products serve as an attractive option for businesses looking to automate their reloading operations without incurring excessive costs. “Our machines are designed to convert calibers in twenty minutes to a couple of hours with someone experienced on it. Whereas some of the leaders in the industry with the big machines, like half the size of this conference room, they’re dedicated to one caliber, and if you want to change it, you’re flying a tech out and they’re spending a week on that project. Flexibility is one of our design criteria.

Mark 7 Reloading has laid out clear objectives for continued growth. Expanding international sales is a key focus for the company, as it seeks to capitalize on the rising demand for efficient, versatile reloading machines worldwide. To achieve this, Mark 7 plans to increase its presence at international trade shows and engage in targeted marketing campaigns that promote its unique capabilities, which are not always well-known in international markets.

Rowan recognizes the importance of market research to identify regions where Mark 7’s products will have the most impact. “We really want to grow that [international side of the commercial business]. The Titan

product allows us to really penetrate the international commercial businesses because of its feature set, its capabilities, and what it’s able to do and perform.” Different countries have preferences for certain calibers, and Mark 7 can customize its offerings to match those regional needs. By tailoring its sales approach to align with local demands, the company hopes to expand its reach and establish stronger footholds in markets such as Europe, South America, and Asia. As part of these efforts, Mark 7 plans to work closely with local partners and distributors to build a network that can support the company’s growing international business.

To facilitate its expansion efforts, Mark 7 has been working with Debbie Lanford of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida Gulf Coast University. This partnership has been invaluable in guiding the company through the complexities of international business, particularly in navigating International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), that control the import and export of defense-related technologies. The SBDC has been instrumental in helping Mark 7 develop a comprehensive strategy for entering new markets and establishing brand recognition on a global scale by identifying potential partners and conducting market research while maintaining compliance with U.S. and foreign trade laws.

Connelly highlighted the importance of utilizing the SBDC’s resources, including its network of business experts and its ability to facilitate connections with international trade organizations.

“We want to position the division so that the international aspect becomes a much greater portion of our commercial sales.”

As Mark 7 works to establish itself as a global player, the SBDC’s expertise

continues to play a critical role in ensuring they can maintaining the high standards that have become synonymous with the Mark 7 brand.

“One significant benefit of working with the SBDC is their access to networks and government programs, such as the SBA Exporter of the Year nomination. These opportunities elevate our brand recognition and connect us with influential collaborators.”

Expanding into international markets often requires building strong, reliable networks of distributors, suppliers, and business partners. The SBDC has played a critical role in facilitating these connections for Mark 7, which have enabled Mark 7 to establish distribution channels in countries where the company previously had little to no presence, enabling them to secure the logistical and operational support needed to reach new customers. This includes identifying local distributors who can effectively represent the Mark 7 brand and educating them on the unique advantages of the company’s products. “Having the SBDC as a partner has enhanced our ability to navigate international markets. Their expertise in pre-screening potential partners and providing country-specific insights is invaluable as we expand globally.”

Mark 7 Reloading’s reputation is rooted in its unwavering focus on its customers. Rowan Connelly attributes the company’s success to the trust built through genuine, ongoing relationships. This ethos extends far beyond transactional service, exemplified by Mark 7’s dedication to assisting customers with tailored solutions,

from troubleshooting to complimentary machine rebuilds in times of need. “We have so much repeat business because of the way we treat our customers, they just instinctively say, hey, I’m going back to Mark 7 for more equipment.” In an industry driven by precision and reliability, Mark 7’s philosophy transforms machinery into more than tools—it creates partnerships that endure.