Gun Factory Moves Down South: Erin McElhone

When companies uproot, executives usually point to factors like lower government taxes or fewer unions. But one gun maker, Beretta, blames something entirely different — a law passed in Maryland to try to curb mass shootings. The company recently moved its factory to Nashville, Tenn., because it says the law in Maryland threatened its business. The opening day was celebrated with shooting demonstrations and a warm welcome from state officials. The Italian gun maker says it's being driven out of its longtime U.S. home on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. The political culture there has grown hostile to guns and to the people who make them, the company says. The view couldn't be more different in the city of Gallatin. In their new home everyone is on board even the mayor, "They do what the people who live here really appreciate and respect and enjoy," he says, "And so it's been a real pride thing for us."The state of Tennessee spent more than $10 million to woo Beretta. Gallatin has also thrown in a $2 million property tax break and 100 acres for free. Beretta, has been in conflict with Maryland since the 1970s. In 2013, in response to the Newtown, Conn., school shootings, then Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley led a clampdown on ownership of high-powered weaponry. Some proposals would have made it illegal for Beretta to import some of its own products — even for sale to the military, Reh says. The exceptions the company managed to get written into the law were not enough.The new plant is expected to create 300 jobs, the company says, and most workers have been hired locally.

I am glad that this company has moved to a place where they are more welcomed, even though I don't really agree with the current gun laws.

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