Renowned firearm manufacturer Smith & Wesson has officially relocated its headquarters from New England to Maryville, Tennessee.
Having established roots in Connecticut in 1852 before moving to Springfield, Massachusetts, Smith & Wesson now proudly stands on a sprawling 650,000-square-foot facility in Tennessee, according to Fox Business. The gun manufacturer hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday to celebrate the move.
“From where I stand, the next 170 years of Smith & Wesson are looking pretty good,” Mark Smith, president and CEO of Smith & Wesson, told The Daily Times. “It is something special here in Tennessee.”
The National Rifle Association (NRA) was quick to commend Smith & Wesson’s relocation to a state with more relaxed gun laws than Massachusetts.
“Congratulations to Smith & Wesson on their grand opening in Tennessee,” Tyler Schropp, NRA Executive Director of Advancement, said in a statement to Fox News. “This move is a testament to their enduring legacy, their commitment to firearm excellence, and to the importance of preserving America’s gun industry and Second Amendment rights in a fair environment.”
Reflecting on the pivotal role played by the NRA, Schropp said that the NRA was “proud to be the tip of the spear” that supported the passing and implementation of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.
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Tennessee’s pro-business approach and unwavering support for the Second Amendment were evident as Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn praised the manufacturer’s decision, asserting, “In Tennessee, we know that the Second Amendment is non-negotiable.” Blackburn further commented on the immense potential of Smith & Wesson’s partnership in advancing the state’s economic development.
The ribbon-cutting event also spotlighted the incredible talent of competitive shooter Jerry Miculek, who shattered an NRA World Record by hitting six steel plates in a mere 1.88 seconds, according to Fox News.
Schropp congratulated Miculek for his historic achievement at the event, stating, “A special salute to Jerry Miculek, an NRA World Champion shooter, for his remarkable feat of shattering the NRA World Record with six shots in just 1.88 seconds from 7 yards out during the grand opening event.”
Located southwest of the McGhee Tyson Airport, the new headquarters, announced in 2021, stretches over 230 acres, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. The company’s future plans include the construction of a museum and retail store, indicating its intent to embed its legacy deeply within the state of Tennessee.
This news article was partially created with the assistance of artificial intelligence and edited and fact-checked by a human editor.
