In January, Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-3) invited a New York gun manufacturer to relocate to South Carolina after the Empire State passed gun control legislation.
That company hasn't taken Duncan up on his offer, but a company in a neighboring state has.
According to Fox News, PTR Industries, based out of Bristol, Conn., will relocate to the Myrtle Beach area. It was located approximately 35 miles from Newtown, the site of a school shooting that claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults.
The company's 140 employees will move to South Carolina over the course of three years according to a company official.
More than 40 states invited PTR to relocate.
Duncan released the following statement to Patch Thursday evening:
"I'm glad that South Carolina has made it clear to the nation that we strongly support the Second Amendment, and welcome all businesses in the firearms industry to bring their jobs to our state. I'd like to thank Rep. Alan Clemmons, Sen. Kevin Bryant, Rep. Mike Pitts and others on the state level who have joined me in making it clear that South Carolina welcomes all gun manufacturers with open arms. As I've said before, in South Carolina, we believe in the Second Amendment. We believe in free enterprise. We believe in the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our state welcomes any individual or business who believes the same. It's my hope that PTR Industries' decision to relocate to South Carolina will be the first of many, and that similar industries from across the country will consider making our state their new home."
Rep. Tom Rice (R-7), who represents Myrtle Beach, released the following statement to Patch:
"It is easy to see why a company like PTR Industries would want to relocate to Horry County, South Carolina,” said Congressman Tom Rice. “Our state has a skilled workforce, competitive wages, and a great quality of life—not to mention, a history of honoring individuals’ constitutional rights. PTR’s decision to relocate their corporate headquarters to Horry County and invest more $8 million dollars in our district, is a direct result of Horry County’s aggressive economic recruiting efforts. On behalf of the 7th District, it is my honor to welcome PTR Industries and thank them for creating nearly 150 high wage jobs and investing millions in our local economy.”
A press conference is planned for Monday with a formal announcement.
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