Gun Businesses Are Voting With Their Feet. Losers Are States With Restrictive Gun Laws.

Which Other State is Now Losing Jobs Because of Gun Control Laws?

Recently we published the story of Remington’s move out of New York State, due to the passage of gun control legislation. Now it’s happening again, this time in Colorado. Magpul Industries of Erie, Colorado, has unveiled its new facilities in Texas and Wyoming, fulfilling its vow to leave the Rocky Mountain State following its sweeping new gun control measures.

Magpul manufactures firearms accessories. Its new headquarters will be located in Austin, Texas, where the company has had operations in a temporary facility. Magpul’s new manufacturing and distribution center will open in January in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The company is adding 50,000 square feet to an existing 185,000-square-foot facility. Before the decision to move, the rapidly growing company planed to expand in Colorado.

Duane Liptak, Director of Product Management and Marketing for Magpul, said in a statement:

These new facilities in Texas and Wyoming immediately enhance and expand the company’s business operations. Magpul remains committed to completing the final phases of this transition without disruption to our customers and business partners.

The company is not cutting all ties with Colorado. They will maintain an administrative office to support the relocation, and it will continue to serve as a regional support office. Company officials say they plan to continue to work for gun rights in Colorado even after the move.

Magpul is best known for its gun accessory, the Magpul, a rifle magazine designed for easy loading. CEO Richard Fitzpatrick started the company in his garage in 1999. He said in a January 2, 2014 statement that Texas and Wyoming had been selected for their support for “individual liberties and personal responsibility.”

The decision to move was made after Democratic Governor John Hickenlooper signed three gun control bills in March 2013, including legislation restrictive of magazines. Magpul’s announcement of the move started a bidding war among more than 20 states hoping to attract the company. Magpuls employs 200 Coloradans directly, and supports 400 supply-chain jobs. It contributes an estimated $80 to $85 million annually to economy of the state.

The gun control issue caused even deeper division between Democrats and Republicans in the state. Republican State Representative Lori Saine said in a statement:

(I am) saddened to see this completely partisan law, widely considered unenforceable by sheriffs across Colorado, cause Magpul to leave our state…

The magazine ban did not garner one Republican vote in the House or Senate, and now as a result of this one-sided, Democrat-sponsored law, more than 200 people will lose their jobs and their ability to provide for their families. This move will cost the state of Colorado over $80 million a year in revenue