Magpul Industries makes firearm magazines and accessories. It’s based in Erie, Colo., near Boulder. But it’s moving its headquarters to Texas.
Director of product management and marketing Duane Liptak says Magpul's decision is a result of Colorado’s new legislation that limits sales of firearm accessories and imposes universal background checks.
"One is based on company values, the founding principles of the company. We’re strongly based in the idea of personal responsibility and individual liberties and just to keep true to our roots as well as to the relationship we have with our customers, we have to stand up for those principles," Liptak says. "An infringement on Second Amendment rights would violate that."
Stephanie Burlingame from Houston is with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. She says the company’s decision doesn’t make sense.
"The idea that legislation that prevents criminals and domestic abusers from getting firearms and limits high-capacity magazines -- the idea that that somehow limits the freedom of a company that manufactures guns seems disingenuous at best," Burlingame says. "There are thousands of mothers here in Texas working to pass those same gun laws. And it leads me to wonder if they just plan to hop from state to state to find those states that have the least sane gun laws in place."
Others in this state are welcoming Magpul with open arms. In a written statement, Gov. Rick Perry said that in Texas, "we’ve built our economy around principles that allow employers to innovate, keep more of what they earn and create jobs. I’m proud that Magpul is the latest employer to join the ranks of companies that call Texas home.”
The company is considering locations in North Central Texas -- venues that are between 20 and 40,000 square feet. It expects to relocate within 12 to 16 months, and bring job openings with it. It currently employs 200 people in Erie. Manufacturing, distribution and shipping will be done out of Cheyenne, Wyo.