Let's bring Magpul to Nebraska

[kozball]

A Colorado House Bill 1224 could force Magpul to close it's doors.   

http://kdvr.com/2013/02/13/colorado-company-could-be-forced-to-move-lawmakers-restrict-gun-magazines/

[Mudinyeri]

Pretty sure they're already looking at Texas.  If I was in their boat, I'd move a few miles north into Wyoming.

[NENick]

oohhhhhhh, this makes my mouth water. I'd be going to the magpul factory every weekend for tours.

[Gary]

One state, I think it is Wisconsin?? had a deal going into the statehood agreement, that if their right to bear arms was infringed, they could leave the union.  It is the only state with such a clause written in their article of statehood.   If I were a gun manufacturer, I would pick such a state to make my products in.

[RedDot]

A friend in SC says they are drafting legislation and setting up presentations to gun/ammo mfg. companies to draw them in.  Word is they have already drawn in all of Winchesters ammo manufacturing out of Springfield , Ill.

[lneuke]

From the Magpul facebook page http://www.facebook.com/magpul

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MAGPUL INDUSTRIES ANNOUNCES IT WILL LEAVE COLORADO IF GUN BILL PASSES

MOVE WOULD COST STATE 600 JOBS, $85 MILLION

Denver, Colorado – February 15th, 2013 - Magpul Industries, an Erie, Colorado, based manufacturer of firearms accessories, announced today that it will be forced to leave the state if House Bill 1224, which would ban standard capacity magazines, becomes law. The announcement was made to Governor Hickenlooper, state legislators, members of the media, and in a full-page advertisement to appear in the Denver Post on Sunday.

Richard Fitzpatrick, Founder, President, and CEO of Magpul Industries, said that regardless of any amendments that may be worked into the bill, he will no longer be able to continue to do business in Colorado if his core product is made illegal.

“Our company could not, in good conscience, continue to manufacture our products in a state where law-abiding citizens are prohibited from purchasing and owning them. ” Fitzpatrick said. “The passage of this bill will do nothing to enhance public safety, but will force us to immediately begin taking our business to another state.”

A proponent of the bill argued that with the amendment language, the choice to stay or leave was up to Magpul. Fitzpatrick responded, "Our relationship with our customers across the country would be severely damaged if this bill passes and we stay. We've already heard word of potential boycotts if that happens. They (legislators) really need to understand that our customer base is as passionate about freedoms as we are, and staying here if this bill passes would cripple the company. Make no doubt about it...we have no choice, and would be forced to leave in order to save the business."

Magpul cited the example of the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show, which was canceled earlier this year after the organizers announced that it would not permit a popular category of firearm, like the ones Magpul makes accessories for, in the show. Public outcry from the customer base forced exhibitors to withdraw from participation, causing the cancellation of the show, and an estimated loss of $70 million of show revenue for hotels, restaurants, merchants, and other businesses in Pennsylvania, where the show was to be held.

Magpul Industries directly employs 200 people, supports another 400 supply-chain jobs, and contributes over $85 million annually to Colorado’s economy. Doug Smith, Chief Operating Officer for Magpul, says that it is a difficult position to be in. "We could choose to stay in a state that wants our jobs and revenue, but not our products, and lose half the jobs we are fighting to save, or potentially the entire business, when our customers stop buying. Or, we can take the company and those 600 jobs out of Colorado to continue our growth and the growth of American manufacturing in a state that shares our values. This is not really a choice. It's an unfortunate and inevitable result of the actions of the Legislature if this bill passes."

Magpul was started over a decade ago by Fitzpatrick, a former U.S. Marine. It has become one of Colorado’s fastest growing businesses, successfully marketing its products to American and allied military forces, police departments, sporting goods stores, and thousands of responsible private citizens. Fitzpatrick says that the rich western culture and strong values of individual freedom and responsibility, traditionally found in Colorado, were one of the reasons the company chose to remain in the state.

“It is heartbreaking to me, my employees, and their families, to think that we will be forced to leave,” Fitzpatrick said. “But if HB13-1224 passes, we will simply have no choice.”

[A-FIXER]

AMEN

[bkoenig]

My money is on Wyoming.  Extremely 2A friendly, low costs of living/doing business, and not far from their current location.

[MajorPandemic]

I have reached out directly to Richard to attempt to facilitate a discussion. Several of the Senators I spoke with yesterday would be supportive of the move.

[FarmerRick]

I have reached out directly to Richard to attempt to facilitate a discussion. Several of the Senators I spoke with yesterday would be supportive of the move.

Nebraska would be pretty far down on the list. 

[RedDot]

Maybe Colorado would be interested in a trade? Magpul factory for Sen. Chambers ...we'll throw in a box of steaks too.