Magpul Industries announced Thursday that it was relocating from Colorado to Wyoming and Texas, making good on its threat to pull jobs and revenue from Colorado in response to new gun control laws.
One of those laws bans ammunition magazines that can hold more than 15 rounds. Magpul manufactures standard 30-round magazines and, during debate over the bill last spring, said it would pull up roots if it passed. The law went into effect in July.
In a press release, the company announced it will move its manufacturing, distribution and shipping centers to Cheyenne, Wyo., and open a new corporate headquarters at one of three locations still under consideration in North Texas.
“Magpul made the decision to relocate in March 2013 and has proceeded on an aggressive but deliberate path,” Chief Operating Officer Doug Smith said in a statement. “These dual moves will be carried out in a manner that ensures our operations and supply chain will not be interrupted and our loyal customers will not be affected.”
Magpul will relocate 92 percent of its workforce within the next 12-16 months and will maintain a limited operation in Colorado.
“Moving operations to states that support our culture of individual liberties and personal responsibility is important,” CEO Richard Fitzpatrick said in a statement. “This relocation will also improve business operations and logistics as we utilize the strengths of Texas and Wyoming in our expansion.”
The news release said the company had the support of the governors of Texas and Wyoming, the Wyoming Business Council and the Texas Economic Development Corp. Magpul employs about 200 people and contributes millions to the state economy. It’s the third gun manufacturer to move from Colorado to Wyoming in response to the new laws.
In addition to the ammunition limits, Colorado also passed a law requiring universal background checks for all gun transfers. Magpul is among the plaintiffs in a lawsuit to overturn both laws.
Reaction on the company’s Facebook page, where commenters had grown impatient for news of the new location in recent months, was congratulatory, but with some remorse for Colorado.
“It’s a very sad day in Colorado,” wrote one of the company’s fans. “Thank you to our worthless Governor and the Democratic Representatives and Senators who made this happen. May 2014 be your last year in public office EVER!”
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