In 1966, SKB began producing shotguns for Ithaca Gun Company, producing a complete line of shotguns that included semi-automatic, side by side, single barrel and over & under models. The 1970s were highlighted by increased productivity in the factory with the inclusion of CNC machining. Over 95% of the factory’s production was exported to the United States, Canada, Western Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. In 1978, Ithaca Gun Company had filed for bankruptcy protection and SKB ceased production of the Ithaca branded models. SKB continued production and re-entered the US market in 1979 being represented by the Mitsui Company in Chicago, IL. This venture lasted only a few years as the US economy was retracting and interest rates were skyrocketing to over 20%.
