Magpul Industries seek greener pastures after Colorado passes new gun control law.

Magpul Industries, known for their reliable and durable firearm accessories are finally pulling the plug on their operations in Erie, Colorado. This comes in the aftermath of the highly debated Gun control law signed into legislation by Gov. John Hickenlooper in March 2013. The new law makes it illegal to manufacture ammunition magazines having a capacity greater than 15 rounds. This law comes in the wake of the Aurora mass shootings of 2012 that had left 12 people dead and 58 injured, forcing the State to reconsider its Gun control laws.

Magpul had previously announced last year that they would shift base if the State decided to adopt more prohibitive weapon laws. Magpul plans to gradually shift its manufacturing, distribution and shipping operations to Cheyenne, Wyoming and its corporate headquarters to Texas. “Moving operations to states that support our culture of individual liberties and personal responsibility is important. This relocation will also improve business operations and logistics as we utilize the strengths of Texas and Wyoming in our expansion” stated Magpul Industries CEO Richard Fitzpatrick in a press release this year.

Both Wyoming and Texas has welcomed this move with Wyoming approving a $ 13 Million incentive package for Magpul, who would in turn help in boosting the economy of the State in terms of Job creation and revenue. Wyoming Governor Matt Mead expressed his support by stating that the State is looking to expand and diversify its economy and bringing an innovative and growing manufacturing operation to Wyoming is a significant step for the State. Texas Governor Rick Perry has also made statements in support of Magpul’s relocation plans, “In Texas, we understand that freedom breeds prosperity, which is why we’ve built our economy around principles that allow employers to innovate, keep more of what they earn, and create jobs, I’m proud that Magpul is the latest employer to join the ranks of companies that call Texas home” Gov. Perry said.

The relocation to Wyoming would be completed in two stages. They would initially lease a 58,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution facility to set up their operations. In the meantime, they would oversee the construction of a new 100,000+ square foot build-to-suit facility located in the Cheyenne Business Parkway which would later become their main stay. For their headquarters, they are considering three different sites in North Central Texas and would begin the relocation as soon as the site is finalised.

Magpul currently employs approximately 200 people who are mostly native to the State of Colorado. This relocation may adversely affect some employees who may not be willing to shift base. The Company estimates that they would be able to successfully relocate with around 92 percent of their current workforce and would maintain some operations in Colorado even after their relocation is complete. This does not guarantee that every single employee will be able to keep their jobs. Paula Mehle, economic development coordinator for Erie, said that though some employees may remain in Colorado, new tenants would be sought for the buildings Magpul vacates.