- Leading U.S.-based firearms manufacturer will invest more than $125 million to relocate from Springfield, Massachusetts to Maryville, Tennessee
- Company will create 750 new jobs in Blount County
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. officials today announced the U.S.-based leader in firearms manufacturing and design will relocate its headquarters and other major operations from Springfield, Massachusetts to Maryville, Tennessee.
In addition to its headquarters, Smith & Wesson will relocate its distribution, assembly, and plastic injection molding operations to Tennessee. The project represents an investment of approximately $125 million and will create 750 new jobs.
Smith & Wesson will locate in Partnership Park North in Blount County, where the company plans to break ground before the end of the year.
Founded in 1852, Smith & Wesson is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and designers of firearms. They manufacture a wide array of handguns (including revolvers and pistols), long guns (including modern sporting rifles, bolt action rifles, and shotguns), handcuffs, suppressors, and other firearm-related products for sale to a wide variety of customers, including firearm enthusiasts, collectors, hunters, sportsmen, competitive shooters, individuals desiring home and personal protection, law enforcement and security agencies and officers, and military agencies in the United States and throughout the world.
Smith & Wesson joins more than 20 small arms and ammunition manufacturers located in Tennessee. Tennessee ranks No. 1 in the nation for employment in the small arms and ammunition sector, with employment increasing by 54% over the last five years.
Since 2017, TNECD has supported 10 economic development projects in Blount County, resulting in approximately 3,100 job commitments and $1.4 billion in capital investment.
QUOTES
“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.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Tennessee is known by the brands that call our state home, and Smith & Wesson adds an enormous boost to our portfolio. We know that Smith & Wesson could have chosen anywhere in the world to relocate its operations and headquarters, and the fact they chose Tennessee underscores our state’s business-friendly environment and highly skilled workforce. The magnitude of this project will have a lasting impact on our state for years to come, and we appreciate the company for its significant investment in East Tennessee.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe
“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. We would like to specifically thank Governor Lee for his decisive contributions, and the entire state legislature for their unwavering support of the Second Amendment and for creating a welcoming, business friendly environment.” – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. President and CEO Mark Smith
“We are eager to have Smith & Wesson, the premier provider of firearms for law enforcement and the military, come to East Tennessee. Their long-standing American heritage, along with their commitment to adding to the economy, makes this a win for the county. A huge thank you also goes to our county commissioners for designating our community as a sanctuary county of the Second Amendment.” – Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell
“The collaborative efforts between the Blount Partnership, the state of Tennessee, Blount County and the cities of Maryville and Alcoa, and many others have added another solid company in Smith & Wesson to our already bustling economy. Relocating their headquarters to our area will provide great jobs for generations to come. We welcome their leadership and their families to our community, knowing they have found a new home.” – Maryville Mayor Andy White
“We are extremely excited about Smith & Wesson announcing its plans to move to Blount County. The company, their management philosophy, and employees are a great match for our area. The state of Tennessee, the Blount Partnership, and the entire recruitment team are to be commended for doing an outstanding job working with Smith & Wesson ownership to create outstanding employment opportunities for our community.” – Alcoa Mayor Clint Abbott
“Attracting and retaining good companies with above average wages is something the Blount Partnership and the Tennessee Department of Economic Development actively strive for when recruiting new businesses to the area. Smith & Wesson’s headquarters continue to raise the profile of our community as the best place for business. Welcome to Blount County.” – Blount County Industrial Development Board Chair Matt Murray
“TVA and City of Alcoa Utilities congratulate Smith & Wesson on its decision to establish operations and create hundreds of job opportunities in Blount County. Helping to support job creation and investment is fundamental to TVA’s mission, and we are proud to partner with Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Blount Partnership, East Tennessee Economic Development Agency, and the City of Alcoa to further that mission and support economic growth in the Valley.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development
“We are excited that Smith & Wesson has chosen to call Blount County home, and I thank them for relocating their headquarters in Maryville. Tennessee offers the best business climate in the nation. Our low taxes, high quality of life, and top-notch workforce create an environment where companies can flourish. I congratulate Smith & Wesson as well as our local officials, Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe, and all who helped secure these jobs. I look forward to continuing to partner with them in our efforts to bring new and better paying jobs to Tennesseans.” – Sen. Art Swann (R-Maryville)
“Smith & Wesson is a world-class manufacturer, and Tennessee is a natural fit for this growing industry. I’m delighted they have chosen to do business in our state, and I appreciate this significant commitment to Maryville. The hard-working people of Blount County are excited to welcome our newest employer to our friendly community.” – Rep. Bob Ramsey (R-Maryville)
“This was a tremendous effort by our state and local economic development leaders, and I congratulate them on this win for Blount County and East Tennessee. The 750 new jobs created by this relocation to Maryville will create many wonderful opportunities. I wish Smith & Wesson success in our community for many years to come.” – Rep. Jerome Moon (R-Maryville)
About Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality handgun, long gun, and suppressor products to the global consumer and professional markets under the iconic Smith & Wesson®, M&P®, and Gemtech® brands. The company also provides manufacturing services including forging, machining, and precision plastic injection molding services. To learn more, visit smith-wesson.com.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
Media Contacts
Smith & Wesson
[email protected]
TNECD
Jennifer McEachern
TNECD Director of Communications and Marketing
[email protected]
(615) 336-2689
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