Firearms manufacturer Smith & Wesson announced Thursday that it was moving its headquarters and significant elements of its operations from Springfield, Massachusetts to Maryville, Tennessee in 2023, creating 750 new jobs in Blount County. The move to Tennessee is an investment worth more than $125 million.
The new facility will consist of the company’s headquarters, plastic injection molding, pistol and long gun assembly, and distribution.
Smith & Wesson has been based in Springfield, Massachusetts since the company was incorporated in 1852.
In a statement, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said, “Our pro-business reputation, skilled workforce, and commitment to the Second Amendment make Tennessee an ideal location for firearms manufacturing. We welcome Smith & Wesson to The Volunteer State and are proud this U.S.-based brand has chosen to relocate from Massachusetts. Thanks for your significant investment in Blount County and for creating 750 new jobs.”
Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) applauded the company’s move, writing on Twitter, “Another successful company moving its operations to the great state of Tennessee! @Smith_WessonInc’s relocation further corroborates our state’s pro-business, pro-worker climate. Looking forward to seeing the transformative impact this investment has on Maryville and beyond.”
Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) also cheered the move, writing on Twitter, “Welcome to Tennessee, @Smith_WessonInc! We appreciate your significant investment in Maryville and look forward to partnering with you to expand our state’s economic development and exceptionally skilled workforce.”
Back in March, another firearms manufacturer, Troy Industries, Inc., which makes small arms components and accessories, announced that it is also relocating its headquarters to The Volunteer State. The project is an investment worth $7.2 million and is expected to create 75 jobs over the next five years in Clarksville. Like Smith & Wesson, Troy Industries, Inc. was originally based out of West Springfield, Massachusetts.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Smith & Wesson Inc. Headquarters” by Smith & Wesson Inc.
