The director of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Robert Cekada, joined Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen in Helena Tuesday to discuss the firearms industry and tour a Helena firearms busines s.(Watch the full story below) ATF director highlights Montana firearms innovation during Helena visitThe ATF regulates federally licensed firearms dealers and works with state and local law enforcement on firearms-related investigations.Officials say maintaining those partnerships is an important part of that work here in Montana.In Helena, innovation in the firearms industry is happening on the factory floor, and federal officials say that work can have implications well beyond Montana.Olympus Arms was established to bring military-grade and other emerging technologies to the commercial market. The company is best known for its recoilless rifle. But another part of the business, Mars Inc., is working on specialized projects for the U.S. Army.We always have to stay one step in advance, and folks like this are putting out their best efforts in keeping America ahead of all of our enemies, Cekada said.The work comes as government and law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of staying connected with the firearms industry.Cekada, who was sworn into the position April 30, says partnerships like these are an important part of that mission.These folks are what provide the advantage to our soldiers and law enforcement to have the best weapons systems, and they are doing it on their own investment, Cekada said.Knudsen says companies like Olympus Arms are trying to solve problems for the military and service members in the field.What is great about having a place like Olympus Arms here in Helena is the work that they are doing. They are trying to make a better mousetrap for our soldiers, for our deployed young men and women that are going overseas for us. So this is fantastic, Knudsen said. Officials say innovation isn't limited to the nation's largest defense contractors.Innovation is happening at the very lowest level. There are veteran-owned companies, small businesses out there, and they are making breakthroughs, small breakthroughs a little bit at a time, that the rest of our country and government dont even know about, Mike Merino, owner of Olympus Arms, said.For Olympus Arms, that work is happening here in Montana, with the company investing in technology, manufacturing, and new weapons systems aimed at both commercial and military applications.Cekada and Knudsen say conversations like this can help strengthen communication between government officials, law enforcement, and the firearms industry. ...read more read less