176 years…
That’s how long Colt has been in Conn. There have been rumblings that Colt is unhappy with their treatment in Conn, and the President of Colt had written an op-ed for one of the papers this last weekend…
President and CEO Dennis Veilleux said the pro-gun control climate that has taken hold in the wake of the Sandy Hook school massacre and other firearm attacks has left him feeling unwelcome in the state his company has called home for 175 years. Proposed laws being debated by the Legislature and pushed by Gov. Dannel Malloy include a new gun offender registry, an expanded assault weapons ban, ammunition restrictions and a ban on bulk purchases of handguns. Veilleux said those measures have put Colt and its nearly 700 employees in the crosshairs.
Veilleux, 47, said Colt is “constantly approached” by other states to relocate. Several red state governors have made no secret of the fact they covet firearms makers, an industry that by some measures contributes $1.7 billion annually to Connecticut’s economy.
Full article at Foxnews.com HERE.
Now of course the governor and others are saying it won’t impact Colt, yada, yada, yada… Personally I think they are s**ting a brick over the possible loss of that $1.7B a year…
All because of this…
The first Colt ad for the Ar-15…
And Colt just got the contract for the new Marine pistols!
I think the state of ND should purchase Colt with the surplus $ that it has from farming sweet crude.
Hell, if Colt came to PA I would drive up there and help them pack!
Those Marine Pistols ain’t no 9mm either!
I know Colt would face a huge expense in relocating, but they should go where they’re welcome and won’t be hassled by TPTB.
Colt closed the factory for one day last week and bused (volunteer) employees to the CT state capitol to protest the legislation. They were joined by workers from Stag Arms and Mossberg, which also have facilities in CT. Doubt it will have much impact.
Notably silent on the issue is the UAW, which represents hundreds of Colt workers. Nice to see the union out there fighting for the jobs of its members (/sarc off). Yet another reason for Colt to move to a gun-friendly state that is also a right to work state … like Texas.
FWIW, the word I get is that Colt is actually two companies – one makes weapons for LEOs and the military, the other makes civilian versions of those weapons. One of the options Colt is considering is moving the civilian line out of CT, but leaving the military/police line there.
Magpul here in Colorado is leaving taking all their operations. Weapons related products are only part of what they do.
Georgia would welcome Cot with open arms. We can always us fantastic American Made and owned businesses here.
They need to leave. I’m sure that Connecticut doesn’t want “Colt’s kind” anywhere near that virulently blue state. Colt would find a welcome home in many red states. Time for them to leave and for Conn. to find the jobs in green energy subsidized by the White House or some such.
Grand- Concur!
Carteach- I’d help too!!!
Keads-Yep, back to the .45!
Rev- Yep!
Tim- You are correct, but they are actually talking about moving BOTH lines!
WSF- Agreed!
CP- I’m sure they would 😉
LL- Agreed!
Lore, I pray its true.
Excuse me,,,,,meant to write, Lord…I pray its true.
Stephen- Concur!
I live in Connecticut; that Colt is in Connecticut has always made me just a bit proud. It is one of the last big companies that once made Connecticut a center of industry still in the state.
I can’t leave Connecticut, not easily, but Colt can and probably should. The state has repeatedly demonstrated its dislike while trading on the Colt name.
AC- Thanks for the comment and input!
Be-careful of the Dumb A$$ laws you pass.They will come back to bite you.
As Tim said, Colt closed the facfory for a day and rented buses so all their 1st and 2nd-shift workers could go to the state capital. For all the good it will do.
JR- Concur, but when Colt leaves, I ‘think’ THAT will get their attention!