The iconic firearm company said frequent anti-gun efforts in Massachusetts left it with ‘no other alternative’
For the first time in its storied 168-year history, iconic American firearm manufacturer Smith & Wesson will be relocating its operational headquarters.
In a news release Thursday, the gunmaker announced that it has finalized plans to leave Springfield, Massachusetts, and relocate to Maryville, Tennessee, in 2023, citing the state’s “unwavering support of the Second Amendment.”
President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Smith characterized the decision as “an extremely difficult and emotional” one, but one his team felt like they needed to make due to newly proposed legislation in Massachusetts that would, if enacted, prohibit the company from manufacturing semi-automatic weapons in the state.