Smith & Wesson goes from Massachusetts blue to Tennessee red.

The gun company, which was founded in 1856, would move its headquarters from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Maryville, Tennessee.

“The strong support we received from the State of Tennessee and all of the Blount County leaders throughout this process, combined with the quality of life, the outdoor lifestyle and the low cost of life in the Greater Knoxville area, has left no doubt that Tennessee is the ideal location for Smith & Wesson’s new headquarters, ”said Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. CEO Mark Smith, in a statement.

He alluded to the “arbitrary and damaging” Commonwealth legislation, claiming that some weapons policies under consideration in Massachusetts “would prevent Smith & Wesson from making legal firearms in almost all US states and safely used by tens of millions of laws, respectful citizens exercising their 2nd Amendment constitutional rights every day, protecting themselves and their families, and enjoying shooting sports. “

“While we hope that this arbitrary and damaging legislation will be rejected during this session, these products accounted for over 60% of our revenue last year, and the unfortunate likelihood that such restrictions will be lifted again has led to a review of the best way forward for Smith & Wesson, ”said Smith.

SMITH & WESSON KEEP HIS FIREARMS

The company’s move will create 750 jobs in the region and represents an investment valued at $ 125 million, according to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

“We would like to specifically thank Governor Lee for his decisive contributions, and the entire state legislature for their unwavering support of the 2nd Amendment and for creating a welcoming and conducive business environment,” Smith added. .

Blount County, where the seat of Tennessee is located, is a “Second Amendment sanctuary” after its commission passed a policy affirming it in 2019, according to the county newspaper, the Daily schedules.

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Smith & Wesson cited other benefits of relocation, including a “conducive business environment”, “employee quality of life”, “cost of living and affordability”, “access to facilities. ‘higher education’, ‘the availability of a skilled workforce for its operations and head office functions’, and ‘a favorable location for efficient distribution’.