Smith & Wesson Transferring From Massachusetts To Tennessee, Citing Proposed Massachusetts Gun Legal guidelines – CBS San Francisco

BOSTON (CBS) – Smith & Wesson, one of the oldest gun manufacturers in the country, announced Thursday that it is moving operations from Springfield, Massachusetts to Tennessee due to proposed gun laws in Massachusetts.

The company plans to move to Maryville, Tennessee, in 2023, having been based in Springfield since it was founded in 1852.

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“This was an extremely difficult and emotional decision for us, but after a comprehensive and thorough analysis of the continued health and strength of our iconic company, we feel we have no other alternative,” said President and CEO Mark Smith.

Smith said proposed legislation in Massachusetts would prevent the company from making certain types of weapons.

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“These bills would prevent Smith & Wesson from making firearms that are legal in almost every state and that are safely used every day by tens of millions of law-abiding citizens to exercise their Amendment II rights to protect themselves and their families , and enjoy shooting, ”said Smith. “While we hope this arbitrary and harmful legislation will be defeated at this meeting, these products represented over 60% of our sales last year, and the unfortunate likelihood of such restrictions being increased again led to a best-way forward review for Smith & Wesson. “

Smith said the company reviewed several cities before deciding to relocate its 750-workforce headquarters to Maryville.

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As part of the move, Smith & Wesson will also close facilities in Connecticut and Missouri and consolidate the number of locations from four to three.