$22 Million Gun Factory Relocates From Virginia to Georgia Over ‘Anti-Gun’ Legislation
11th June 2026
On Wednesday, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced a firearms manufacturer will leave the state of Virginia over new “anti-gun legislation” and relocate to Georgia, bringing a $22 million investment and employing hundreds of residents.
“Georgia attracts job creators from all over the country and world because we work with them, not against them,” Kemp said. “Our state’s pro-business approach, skilled workforce, and enduring support for constitutional freedoms make us an ideal home for manufacturers like Rideout Arsenal, and we look forward to their success here in the No. 1 state for business.”
Rideout Arsenal, the firearms designer and manufacturer launching the new facility, has announced it will be opening its doors in the south Georgia town of Thomasville.
“Today we welcome Rideout Arsenal to Thomasville. This includes new highly skilled jobs, new partnerships, new careers, and new momentum for our community,” Thomasville Mayor Scott Chastain said. “Most importantly, we welcome the Rideout family to our community.”
The new facility will be located within the Plantation Oak Industrial Park, with additional buildings planned throughout the next several years.
The company’s founders said the decision to locate in Georgia was made partly as a response to recent legislation in Virginia that could affect the business.