CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Firearms manufacturer Troy Industries will relocate its headquarters and manufacturing operations from West Springfield, Massachusetts, to Clarksville, Tennessee, in part because of the “changing climate” for gunmakers.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Troy officials announced the move, which represents an investment of $7.2 million and the creation of 75 jobs over the next five years, according to a news release.

Troy is one of America’s largest suppliers of small arms accessories and weapon upgrades. The company supplies firearms to military, law enforcement and civilians. Many other firearms manufacturers, such as Smith & Wesson, Colt, HK and Sturm, Ruger & Company incorporate Troy components into their products, the release said.

Leaving Massachusetts

The company is moving to Tennessee in part because of the “changing climate” for the firearms industry in Massachusetts, according to Steve Troy, president and CEO of Troy Industries.

“While Troy has enjoyed a very successful period of growth in Massachusetts, the changing climate for firearms manufacturers in the state determined the need for our relocation to Tennessee to ensure the continued success of the company,” Troy said.

Massachusetts is home to some of the nation’s largest gun manufacturers, including Springfield-based Smith & Wesson, representing about 7,800 jobs, according to an April 20 article in the Boston Globe.

But the state legislature is now considering a ban the manufacture of certain kinds of firearms in Massachusetts unless they are intended for sale to the military or law enforcement, raising concerns about an exodus of the gun industry from the state, the Globe reported.

“We are excited to begin this new venture and appreciate all the support we have already received from Rep. Mark Green, Gov. Bill Lee and the state of Tennessee in making this relocation possible,” Troy said.

A good fit for Clarksville

While the Massachusetts legislation was proposed last month, discussions with Troy began about a year ago, according to Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett.

“They will bring a unique manufacturing component to Montgomery County and are a proven industry leader in the design and manufacturing of quality small arms components and accessories,” Durrett said. “Most of the world’s top military weapon’s producers seek Troy products because they set the standard for the industry. Steve, Tracy and the entire Troy team will make an awesome addition to the community.”

The company could also be a good addition for veterans leaving Fort Campbell and looking to join the civilian work force.

“Troy Industries is a veteran-friendly employer and will help create another valued veteran connection to employment for our active-duty service members” when they leave the Army, said Montgomery County Industrial Development Board Chairman Wally Crow.

The facility will locate at 1575 Corporate Parkway Blvd., owned by the IDB, which is the former home of the Tennessee Rehab Center, according to an IDB news release.

The company is in the initial phases of recruiting, and is focusing hiring efforts on veterans, women and minorities. Additionally, careers for Troy Industries will be posted at Clarksvilleishiring.com.

Job growth in Clarksville

“When companies pick Tennessee to locate or expand their operations, it is a vote of confidence to our state’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce,” Gov. Lee said. “I thank Troy for this investment and the creation of new jobs for Tennesseans.”

Over the last five years, TNECD has supported nearly 10 economic development projects in Montgomery County, accounting for more than 2,400 job commitments and $690 million in capital investment, according to the release.

Since 2018, Clarksville has had several industrial recruiting successes, adding up to almost 1,000 jobs.

• 2018: VK Integrated Systems, $1 million investment, 60 jobs
• 2020: CBE Companies, $1.2 million investment, 500 jobs
• 2020: FNS Group, $33.4 million investment, 60 jobs
• 2021: Microvast Power Solutions, $220 million investment, 350 jobs
• 2021: Troy Industries, $7.2 million investment, 75 jobs

Clarksville is also reported to soon become home to a 1,000-job Amazon distribution center.