Smith & Wesson in Tennessee
Weeks after announcing the decision to move to East Tennessee, Smith & Wesson officials began construction on their future home Friday.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by several state and local leaders. Partner Park North, and this 240-hectare site includes both the company's headquarters and manufacturing facilities.
Founded in 1852, the gun shop is now located in Springfield, Massachusetts, but according to one business official, some guns are prohibited by law.
Smith Wesson CEO Mark Smith said the decision was not easy, but looked forward to the move because it was the right choice for current and future generations. "It was especially difficult because we had a 170-year history in Springfield, Massachusetts."
According to the company, one reason for moving to Tennessee is "2nd Amendment support."
Tennessee has made previous efforts to ease gun control under Republican rule in the past few years.In early this year, it was the state's latest attempt to allow most adults over 21 to carry handguns without a permit, which required background checks and training at the state level.
Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee attributed the transition to the favorable business climate, tax system and talent in the state. Smith agrees: "The Constitution's 2nd Amendment. I was grateful for the change and working motive. We could really rest easy," he said.
Governor Lee says investment has a lasting impact on people. Governor Lee says investment has a lasting impact on people. "If you really want to change your family's life, you have to include meaningful work. When people have a good job and a good life for their family, it will affect this generation."
The move is expected to invest $125 mln by 2023 and create 750 jobs in the region.