BELOW SUPERNAV drop zone ⇩

Smith & Wesson moving headquarters in response to proposed Massachusetts gun laws

Several people view a wall of Smith & Wesson handguns during the National Rifle Association convention in this 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

ovp test

mLife Diagnostics LLC: Oral Fluid Drug Testing

Male shot by female at Shreveport apartment

Class to create biodiverse backyard

Rules for outbursts at Caddo School Board Meeting

maylen

https://digital-stage.newsnationnow.com/

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241114185800

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241115200405

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241118165728

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241118184948

MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – Smith & Wesson, one of America’s oldest and most popular gun manufacturers, is holstering its Massachusetts facilities and moving its headquarters to Tennessee.

NewsNation’s WATE reports that the 165-year-old company will invest $125 million to relocate headquarters to Maryville over the next two years.

In addition to relocating the headquarters, Smith & Wesson will transfer its distribution, assembly and plastic injection molding operations. The move will create 750 new jobs, according to a release from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

The company plans to break ground in a commercial area known as Partnership Park North before the end of the year. The move is expected to be completed by the summer of 2023.

“This has been an extremely difficult and emotional decision for us, but after an exhaustive and thorough analysis, for the continued health and strength of our iconic company, we feel that we have been left with no other alternative,” said Mark Smith, president and CEO of Smith & Wesson.

Smith said recently proposed legislation in Massachusetts would prevent the company from manufacturing certain firearms in the Commonwealth — firearms that account for 60% of the company’s revenue.

“These bills would prevent Smith & Wesson from manufacturing firearms that are legal in almost every state in America and that are safely used by tens of millions of law-abiding citizens every day exercising their Constitutional 2nd Amendment rights, protecting themselves and their families,” said Smith in a news release. “The unfortunate likelihood that such restrictions would be raised again led to a review of the best path forward for Smith & Wesson.”

NewsNation’s WWLP reports that the location in Springfield, Massachusetts, will remain operational but will be reconfigured. Several manufacturing operations will remain in Springfield, including forging, machining, metal finishing and assembling revolvers. Smith & Wesson will still have more than 1,000 employees in the state.

State officials tell WATE that Tennessee ranks No. 1 in the nation for employment in the small arms and ammunition sector, with employment increasing by 54% over the last five years. There are over 20 small arms and ammunition manufacturers located in Tennessee.

“Our pro-business reputation, skilled workforce and commitment to the Second Amendment make Tennessee an ideal location for firearms manufacturing,” Gov. Bill Lee said of the move.

Smith & Wesson has been based in Springfield, Massachusetts, since 1852. Company officials said facilities in Connecticut and Missouri will close when the move is complete.

Mid-South

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

Site Settings Survey

 

MAIN AREA MIDDLE drop zone ⇩

Trending on NewsNation

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241119133138

MAIN AREA BOTTOM drop zone ⇩

tt

KC Chiefs parade shooting: 1 dead, 21 shot including 9 kids | Morning in America

Witness of Chiefs parade shooting describes suspect | Banfield

Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting: Mom of 2 dead, over 20 shot | Banfield

WWE star Ashley Massaro 'threatened' by board to keep quiet about alleged rape: Friend | Banfield

Friend of WWE star: Ashley Massaro 'spent hours' sobbing after alleged rape | Banfield

Clear

la

48°F Clear Feels like 48°
Wind
1 mph NNW
Humidity
52%
Sunrise
Sunset

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low 46F. Winds light and variable.
46°F A few passing clouds. Low 46F. Winds light and variable.
Wind
2 mph N
Precip
8%
Sunset
Moon Phase
Waning Gibbous