PHOTO GALLERY: Lewis Machine and Tool welcomes Sen. Ernst

Lewis Machine and Tool founder Karl Lewis, right, concludes a contract signing for 16,000 Eldridge-made rifles to be produced over the next two years for the Estonian military.

Karl Lewis snips a ribbon before a crowd of Lewis Machine and Tool employees Saturday, June 29.

Eldridge Mayor Marty O'Boyle chats with Lewis Machine and Tool president Karl Lewis

Lewis Machine and Tool engineering assistant Joe Velasquez shows a rifle to his mom, Berta, at the company open house in Eldridge June 30.

Estonian Ambassador to the U.S. Jonatan Vseviov and Sen. Joni Ernst examine rifles July 1 at Lewis Machine and Tool, Eldridge.

Sen. Joni Ernst speaks at a ceremonial signing of an arms contract between Estonia and Lewis Machine and Tool, Eldridge.

Sen. Joni Ernst and Estonian Ambassador to the U.S. Jonatan Vseviov examine rifles like the 16,000 Estonia will buy from Lewis Machine and Tool's new Eldridge plant.

Eldridge resident and Lewis sales representative Joe Collins discusses rifles with guests at Lewis' Sunday open house.

Lewis engineering assistant Jose Velsaquez, of East Moline, shows products to his mom, Berta, Sunday.

Sen. Ernst watches Karl Lewis and Estonian officials sign the $25 million contract for 16,000 firearms to be made in Eldridge.

Estonian Ambassador to the U.S. Jonatan Vseviov says Lewis Machine and Tool rifles will be the primary personal weapon of his nation's 16,000 reserve soldiers. Vseviov is the former Estonia defense minister.

A crate of rifle barrels await shift workers at Lewis Machine and Tool.

Lewis Machine and Tool office worker Betty Norris, of East Moline, tries on t-shirts commemorating the plant's opening.