Tennessee welcomed one of its newest tenants today: gun manufacturer Beretta USA.
The company’s new facility in Gallatin will soon handle all production, moving their manufacturing base from Accokeek, Maryland.
Maryland’s Firearm Safety Act of 2013 prohibited the company from manufacturing, storing and selling some products, including models of high-power rifles and high-capacity magazines.
Beretta officials say those state regulations were the primary reason for their relocation. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony this afternoon the message was clear: Tennessee is gun friendly.
Congresswoman Diane Black, originally from Maryland, told the crowd that her mother recently asked about the company’s decision to move.
“She said, ‘Why did that company leave Maryland?'” Black recounted. “It may be because you guys don’t like guns here and that’s sort of their business.”
Governor Bill Haslam echoed her thoughts by telling the press that Tennessee takes great pride in the Second Amendment. He said Beretta will be rightfully appreciated in its new home.
The new facility brings with it close to 300 new jobs. Beretta’s administrative offices will remain in Maryland, close to Washington D.C., where they have been since 1977.
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