Smith & Wesson to relocate headquarters to Tennessee

[New Reporter]

Smith & Wesson to move headquarters to Tennessee over Massachusetts' proposed gun legislation

Legislation would impact 60% of gun maker's revenue

By Jonathan Garber

October 01, 2021

Gun maker Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. will relocate its headquarters to Tennessee next year due to proposed firearms legislation in its home state of Massachusetts.

The legislation, if enacted, would prevent Smith & Wesson from manufacturing products that accounted for more than 60% of its revenue last year.

"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," Smith & Wesson CEO Mark Smith said in a statement.

Smith & Wesson has been located in Springfield, Massachusetts, since being incorporated in 1852. That facility will remain operational, but others in Connecticut and Missouri will close as part of the consolidation.

Upward of 750 jobs will move from those facilities to the new headquarters in Maryville, Tennessee. Employees who cannot make the move will be offered enhanced severance and job placement services.

"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," Smith said.

[New Reporter]

Smith & Wesson leaves Northeast after 150 years for Tennessee

Sydney Shea

October 1, 2021

Smith & Wesson is moving from blue Massachusetts to red Tennessee.

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

“The strong support we have received from the state of Tennessee and the entire leadership of Blount County throughout this process combined with the quality of life, outdoor lifestyle and low cost of living 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 commonwealth's "arbitrary and damaging" legislation, saying certain gun policies under consideration in Massachusetts "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, and enjoying the shooting sports."

"While we are hopeful that this arbitrary and damaging legislation will be defeated in this session, these products made up over 60% of our revenue last year, and the unfortunate likelihood that such restrictions would be raised again led to a review of the best path forward for Smith & Wesson," Smith said.

SMITH & WESSON STICKS TO ITS GUNS

The company's move will bring 750 jobs to the area and is 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, business-friendly environment," Smith added.

Blount County, the location of the Tennessee headquarters, is a "Second Amendment Sanctuary" after its commission passed a policy stating as much in 2019, according to the county outlet the Daily Times.

Smith & Wesson cited other benefits to the relocation, including a "business friendly environment," "quality of life for employees," "cost of living and affordability," "access to higher education institutions," "availability of qualified labor for its operations and headquarter functions," and "favorable location for efficiency of distribution."