“Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. has called Massachusetts home for 170 years, but the company’s CEO said that legislation pending in Beacon Hill could bar the manufacturer from making certain types of firearms – including AR-15 style modern sporting rifles – in the Bay State. As a result, the company decided to move its headquarters and facilities to the Volunteer State, which has stronger support for the Second Amendment as well as a lower cost of living.”
Instead of lobster rolls and Boston baked beans, some Smith & Wesson employees can look forward to fried catfish and country ham as the company announced on Wednesday that it will move its headquarters from Springfield, Mass. to Maryville, Tenn. About 750 employees will be relocated from Springfield to Maryville, which is located about 25 miles south of Knoxville.
Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. has called Massachusetts home for 170 years, but the company’s CEO said that legislation pending in Beacon Hill could bar the manufacturer from making certain types of firearms – including AR-15 style modern sporting rifles – in the Bay State. As a result, the company decided to move its headquarters and facilities to the Volunteer State, which has stronger support for the Second Amendment as well as a lower cost of living.
“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,” CEO Mark Smith said in a statement.
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