‘Gun Valley’ Migrating South with Jobs and Money in Tow

The new ‘Gun Valley’ of the United States resides in Alabama and the rest of the southern portion of the country. The reason for this is that a lot of gun manufacturing companies are moving their production facilities to the south, according to al.com.

In February, Remington announced that it will build a $110 million facility in Huntsville. Then, last week, Steyr Arms announced that it would open a 33,000 square foot facility in Bessemer.

The term used to apply to the area of Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York due to the numerous manufacturing companies operating in the region for the past 150 years. Facilities in this region include Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Beretta and Remington.

Southern states have offered gun manufacturers tax incentives, favorable gun laws and a workforce with knowledge of firearms. In Gallatin, Tennessee, a new facility from Beretta opened. Then in Murfreesboro, TN, Barrett decided to open a facility.

To go along with this news, a gun manufacturer in South Carolina, Palmetto State Armory, announced that it is expanding in Lexington County. The investment of $4.2 million will help to renovate and expand into a new building while also adding 300 new jobs over three years, according to The Times and Democrat.

Right now, the company employs 230 workers and wants to have at least 500 on the payroll by the time the expansion is complete.

Adam Ruonala is the Chief Marketing Officer for Palmetto State Armory. He said, “Supporting our local community with more jobs is on the forefront of priorities for Palmetto State Armory. Palmetto State Armory was founded in South Carolina with a set of core family values and it is of the utmost importance to us to continue to support our in-state family.”

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley praised the announcement, saying, “Palmetto State Armory is a valued member of South Carolina’s thriving business community and we celebrate their decision to continue to grow their economic footprint in our state. Their $4.2 million investment in Lexington County, creating 300 new jobs, will have a significant impact on our growing workforce.”

The chairman of the Lexington County Council, Johnny Jeffcoat, said, “We are pleased that Palmetto State Armory has decided to expand in Lexington County. The strong workforce in the county will provide the company with the skills and manpower necessary to continue to grow its manufacturing operations and further its warehousing capabilities. The county’s pro-business philosophy also serves as a driving force to continued development in this area of the county.”

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