Remington Outdoor has exceeded its hiring and wage milestones at its new advanced manufacturing and research and development center in Huntsville.

A report from the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County shows the firearm maker had 324 employees as of Aug. 31 with an average hourly wage nearly $10 higher than stated in the development agreement between the company, City of Huntsville and state. Remington was required to create at least 280 full-time positions by the close of the second project year ending Feb. 28.

Remington, which is still hiring production team members through AIDT, received an extensive incentive package from the city, local counties and state to launch the $110 million plant on 100 Electronics Boulevard in Huntsville.

"We have been extremely pleased since they arrived," said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle in a statement. "Remington is doing more than promised and is well ahead of schedule."

The employment figures were certified by Mercer & Associates as requested by the Huntsville Industrial Development Board. The company plans to rapidly ramp up hiring through the next decade:

680 employees by the end of 2016

1,018 employees by 2017

1,258 employees by 2018

1,498 employees by 2019

1,698 employees by 2020

1,868 employees by 2021

Spokeswoman Jessica Kallam said the facility near Huntsville International Airport makes sporting rifles (Bushmaster and DPMS), handguns (R1 1911 Pistol, RM380 Micro Pistol -- the first new Huntsville design), AAC silencers and H&R shotguns.

Remington is seeking Huntsville maintenance technicians and machine operators, which both offer health, dental and vision insurance, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, 401(k) benefits, tuition reimbursement and more to eligible employees. Hourly pay is based on skill level and experience.

The company announced last week it will expand its Lonoke, Ark., plant by adding about 84 new positions to its workforce of 1,200 employees, according to The Times Record.

Former Remington CEO and Chairman George Kollitides II stepped down from his role last summer. Remington co-lead Director Jim "Marco" Marcotuli became the new president, CEO and interim chairman of the board.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center announced Remington Vice President of Operations James "Trip" Ferguson is a vice president with the Rocket Center, where he will manage Space Camp programs. Ferguson oversaw startup operations for Remington's Huntsville facility.