Weatherby Says Goodbye to California, Hello to Wyoming

By Jacki Billings

Weatherby is packing up and heading to Wyoming, leaving California and its gun laws behind. Weatherby made the big announcement today.

To a packed booth filled with media, Weatherby employees, and eager of members of Wyoming’s business council CEO Adam Weatherby dropped the news of the impending move. Constructing a whole new facility to be opened in 2019 in Sheridan, Wyoming, Weatherby officially jumps ship from California amid restrictive gun laws hampering gun makers and gun owners.

“This is a really exciting day for us. About three years ago after being in California for 75 years, we began a search amongst a number of Western states to find a new home for Weatherby,” Weatherby said. “It was obvious being in the state that we were in that the legacy wasn’t going to be able to continue for as long as we wanted it to. We began to look for a new state.”

Weatherby said after an exhaustive search the company settled on Wyoming after Governor Matt Mead took a head-on approach to recruiting the gun maker. Weatherby met with Gov. Mead at last year’s SHOT Show and after talking with the Governor, Weatherby said Wyoming pulled ahead of the pack.

Weatherby said in addition to the Governor personally offering his cell phone to aid Weatherby in navigating a potential move, the state also approved an incentive package to help the gun maker mosey its way to Wyoming.

Citing a “friendly tax climate,” lax gun laws, and a willing workforce Weatherby said the move will prove to be a positive one for both Weatherby and the state. The state estimates that the move will result in the creation of between 70 and 90 jobs, bringing in more than $50 million annually in payroll over the next five years. Weatherby also intends to invest an estimated $2 million in relocation expenses as well as covering all capital investment for the new building and lot.

Gov. Mead and Wyoming's First Lady were on hand to share their excitement at welcoming Weatherby to their state.

“This is something we have been looking forward to and we are so excited about this,” Gov. Mead commented. “We love it for the economic diversity, what it brings in terms of jobs with an average salary of $60,000.”

Weatherby says the town of Sheridan will be its official home come 2019.