Support local news in Essex-Chester-Deep River

DEEP RIVER, CT — Smith & Wesson Firearms company has announced that it is selling its plastic injection molding facility in Deep River and moving its headquarters from Springfield, Mass. to Maryville, Tennessee. In a recent press release put out by the company, Smith & Wesson cited that the move is due to, "changing business climate for firearms manufacturing in Massachusetts."

This news affects Deep River specifically in the fact that it is home to the company's plastic injection molding facility, which services both Smith and Wesson, as well as, a significant number of external customers. This facility will be sold. The Smith & Wesson portion of the operations will be moved to the new facility in Tennessee and according to the press release, the external customer business will remain in Connecticut and will be divested.

Mark Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Smith and Wesson said in a written statement, "This has been an extremely difficult and emotional decision for us, but after an exhaustive and thorough analysis, for the continued health and strength of our iconic company, we feel that we have been left with no other alternative." He cited legislation recently proposed in Massachusetts that, if enacted, would prohibit the company from manufacturing certain firearms in the state.

Smith continued, "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."

A New England company since its inception, the gunmaker has called Springfield, Mass home since 1852.

In the press release, the company emphasized that the move will not begin until 2023 and will not have an impact on employees' jobs until then.

Smith said in a written statement, "We are making this announcement now to ensure that each employee has the time to make the decision that is right for them and their families. We are firmly committed to working on an individual level with each and every one of those who will be affected. We will assist any affected employee who is willing and able to move with financial and logistical relocation assistance. However, we also fully realize that this is simply not feasible for some. Therefore, for any affected employee who cannot move with us, we will offer enhance and severance and job placement services. We understand that this announcement will be very difficult for our employees, and we will do everything we can to assist them during this transition."

Upwards of 750 jobs will move from Springfield, Massachusetts; Deep River, and Columbia, Missouri to Maryville, Tennessee where construction on the headquarters and manufacturing operation is expected to begin in the calendar fourth quarter of 2021 and be substantially complete by the summer of 2023.

Click here to subscribe to our daily email newsletters and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices for free. You can also support local journalism by donating as little as $5 a month to become a supporting member or by downloading our free Patch mobile app.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.