BR>
Posted on 04/04/2013 8:53:25 PM PDT by T-Bird45
New legislation is forcing gun manufacturing company Beretta to uproot and take their business elsewhere.
Established in 1526, Beretta holds the distinction of being the oldest active firearms manufacturer in the world. The U.S. factory is located in Accokeek, Maryland, and has been a staple of the local economy for years.
Beretta warned that stricter gun control laws would push the company outside of state lines, but that didn’t stop Maryland legislators. Jeffrey Reh, a spokesman for Beretta who also serves as the President of Stoeger Industries under Beretta, announced that the company would begrudgingly uproot and take its business elsewhere. He said, “We don’t want to do this, we’re not willing to do this, but obviously this legislation has caused us a serious level of concern within our company.”
He added that Beretta paid approximately $31 million in taxes, employs 400 people, and had invested $73 million in the business over the past several decades. Despite being such a prominent player in the local economy, Beretta was unable to prevent legislators from passing tighter gun control laws. Ironically, Beretta manufactures some firearms that are now banned in Maryland.
Republican state Delegate Anthony J. O’Donnell lamented: “Losing [Beretta] would be a big disappointment. Maryland has a reputation for having a horrible business climate, and this would be one more nail in the coffin.”
Legislators had ample warning. Back in the ‘90s, when Maryland beefed up gun control laws, Beretta moved one of its warehouses a short drive away to Virginia.
Beretta’s bold move is regrettable but understandable. Reh told reporters, “Why expand in a place where the people who built the gun couldn’t buy it?”
All of Beretta’s pleas fell on deaf ears. Even as Reh lamented Beretta’s looming departure and emphasized the company’s centrality in the local economy during the hearing, Maryland legislators grilled Reh on self-defense.
One legislator stated: “Other than target shooting, the only other reason [for a semi-automatic firearm] would be for self-defense… [Why would you need a] rifle that accommodates 20 rounds semi-automatic for deer hunting? … It’s only very infrequently that someone commits a crime with an assault weapon – why do you need one for self-defense?”
Sources: Fox, Washington Times, The Blaze
Makes me feel better about the line of Berettas I own. Ruger, Colt. Ball’s in your court now.
Businesses can vote with their feet too and I’m glad to see them do it. Actions have consequences. Liberals need to learn this. I guiarantee that if Ohio turns into anything close to a liberal sanctuary, I’ll pop smoke and the next time I’m seen will be in Arizona... or maybe Texas....again.
Good for them!
Suck on that, O’Malice..how many fleeing companies does that make, now?
See ya, Maryland!
Business speaks!
GOOD on Beretta!!!!
Southern Merryland deserves the loss.
Good for Baretta.
Remember the guy who used to have that name? He had a parrot I think. He was a short guy, kind of a wise cracker. I liked him.
Does anyone else remember him or know what's become of him. Google, here I come.
“Beretta’s bold move is regrettable but understandable”
No. It is commendable.
All across the United States, the Lefties are rushing to kill off the goose that lays the golden eggs.
Well, the legislators all have jobs - why should they care about the little people?
ROBERT BLAKE!!
Looks like the gun grabbers want it both ways. If the guns are only very infrequently used by criminals, then how can they also be "the weapon of choice for criminals?"
They can't even keep their lies straight.
Is he bringing Fred, the Cockatoo with him?
Kudos to Beretta.
Personally, I try to do business only with companies that have the integrity displayed here by Beretta.
It is alos interesting to note that all the other arms manufacturers took careful notice of what happened to Smith & Wesson a few years ago when they pandered to the scumbag Democrats. Lessons learned.
start calculating dollars.
Good for them - all of us need to start voting with our feet...
Woo! Hoo!
Vote with your feet! Congratulations Beretta!
You are very welcome in Arizona!
He gunned his wife down while she was sitting in a parked car
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.