Colt CEO: Ban Would Hurt Iconic Brand

Hartford Courant ^ | Maar. 18, 2013 | Dennis Veilleux

[libstripper]

OP-EDThe Hartford Courant 7:17 p.m. EDT, March 18, 2013

As a leader of a Connecticut manufacturing business who answers to owners, I can tell you the one question I am asked regularly, "Why does it make sense to stay or grow here?"

For 175 years, Hartford and Connecticut have been our home. The genius and vision of Samuel Colt built a core of manufacturing excellence that helped make Hartford one of the nation's wealthiest cities and ignited the industrial revolution in the Connecticut River Valley. Amazingly, that heritage continues with a substantial firearms industry and a critical mass of skilled craftsman and machining expertise for aerospace and other precision industries that are the envy of the country.

But this tremendous economic advantage is in grave danger. What's most astounding is our advantage is not being taken away — it's being given away.

[libstripper]

Colt can come here to East Tennessee any time it wants.

[WCH]

Think of all the companies who only manufacture Black guns? There’s one right here in my hometown.

[soycd]

Instead of prattling on about the evil ways of the states these gun makers reside in, it would carry more weight if the Colts, Berettas and Magpuls got off their butts and moved to more decent states.

[libstripper]

Read the letter. It looks like Colt is getting ready to do just that.

[Pentagon Leatherneck]

The CEO makes strong case to the people of COnnecticut; I wonder if they are smart enough to heed his warning?

TC

[TexasFreeper2009]

Move Colt down here to Texas, we’d love to have you!

[Vaquero]

time to move, Colt, Ruger, Marlin, Mossberg, USFA...

and in NY....Remington

[big'ol_freeper]

Growing up in Connecticut, I can remember driving across the Connecticut river and passing the iconic Colt Firearms Armory:

And there are plans for development...

But typical for these vile "progressives", with their lust for power and control, they simply destroy. Freaking idiots.

[Solson]

Colt won’t move. Connecticut has been taking away the 2A bit by bit and Colt has simply watched. And now they’re shocked and dismayed? The same goes for Remington.

[soycd]

It’s the whole “getting ready” that leaves that empty feeling. Once we hear “we are in the process of moving...”, then it will be more than a vacuous promise or threat.

[Texas Fossil]

I know, however, that someday soon, I will again be asked why we fight to keep well-paying manufacturing jobs in Connecticut. I will be asked why we should continue to manufacture in a state where the governor would make ownership of our product a felony.

He is talking about being asked by this board of directors. I am confident that Governor Perry has already asked each of them, "why don't you move to Texas"? We would make you feel at home.

[Springfield Reformer]

Big corporate outfits, especially publicly held, just operate this way. You can get sued by stockholders for making costly decisions that adversely impact dividends, share value, etc. Colt leadership has to preemptively build a solid case for moving, and this op-ed seems like they’re going public with internal plans that are already well underway. I’d be getting excited if I were the gov of a gun freedom state about now.

BTW, I noticed Colt stock dropped precipitously in what looks like November, though it seems to have more than recovered. I’m on my droid and not situated where I can confirm this, but it would be interesting if a pattern could be found that there was a selloff in gun related businesses just before Sandy Hook. It would suggest prior knowledge of the coming tragedy. Or I could be completely wrong. Just puzzled by the stock graph Google turns up for Colt. I’m sure there are better sources.

[Carriage Hill]

“and in NY”... Kimber, too.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em,
Know when to fold ‘em,
Know when to walk away,
And know when to run.

You never keep your money
When there’s Democrats in power
‘Cause they’re taxin’ and they’re spendin’
And to Hell with ev’ryone else.

[justlurking]

Instead of prattling on about the evil ways of the states these gun makers reside in, it would carry more weight if the Colts, Berettas and Magpuls got off their butts and moved to more decent states.

Magpul is leaving Colorado. They announced it yesterday:

Magpul says move out of Colorado "underway," and others will follow

[justlurking]

BTW, I noticed Colt stock dropped precipitously in what looks like November, though it seems to have more than recovered.

Colt Defense LLC's stock is private, and unlisted. So, any graph you are looking at is for another company.

[Springfield Reformer]

Gag. Never mind about the stock price dip. I completely misread the chart. Stupid human tricks. Ugh.

[Springfield Reformer]

Ok. Tnx.

[NTHockey]

Colt - or any manufacturer - who stays in CT, CO, IL, etc. is giving aid and comfort to the enemy. My money won’t go to support their acceptance of the anti-gun laws.

[chuckles]

Perry has been everywhere asking the same questions. Why pay income tax, why not have right to work, and why not go where you are appreciated? It would save millions for most sized companies and pay for the move in just a few years. I think they just have gotten used to living where they live and don’t want to move. If you put the money down on paper, they have to at least look at it.