American Tactical Imports have announced their relocation from Rochester, New York to Summerville, South Carolina. They will be creating 117 new jobs in the region. Earlier this year, after New York passed the seven round magazine bill, I spoke to a company employee who mentioned they were looking to relocate. That magazine limiting bill ended up having to be withdrawn a couple of months later, but no doubt it gave New York’s diminishing firearm industry yet another reason to leave.

The press release follows …

American Tactical Imports (ATI), a worldwide importer of firearms, ammunition and tactical equipment to the United States, announced today that it will open a warehousing and distribution location in Dorchester County.

The Eastport Industrial Park location in Summerville also will be the site for limited firearm assembly, as well as the company’s headquarters, its customer service center and its sales office.

The $2.7 million investment is expected to generate 117 new jobs.

“This move to South Carolina will help ensure a solid foundation for our company,” says Tony DiChario, president and founder of American Tactical Imports. “The relocation process will be smooth and we have ensured that the process will not affect customer service, product distribution or any other segment of our business. The people of South Carolina have welcomed ATI with open arms and we are excited about making our new corporate home there.”

As one of the gun industry’s top importers of firearms and firearm related accessories, ATI’s decision to relocate is two-fold. ATI believes it is imperative that a firearms importer and manufacturer do business within a state that is friendly to the second amendment rights of the people.

It is also important that ATI be close to the port-of-entry into the country for several of their imported products. The relocation to South Carolina ensures that both of these factors are met.

ATI will begin the location process to Summerville next month.

“Today’s announcement is another testament that South Carolina is a destination for job-creating investments,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We celebrate American Tactical Imports’ decision to invest $2.7 million and create 117 new jobs in Dorchester County.”

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $500 million in capital investment and more than 4,000 jobs in the warehouse and distribution sector.

“South Carolina is the perfect location for companies like American Tactical that depend on the ability to move product efficiently,” said Secretary Bobby Hitt. “Our state’s business-friendly resources and excellent workforce further underscore what makes South Carolina just right for business.”

Factors that influenced the company’s decision included workforce availability, market access and the ability to import products through the Port of Charleston, which is the deepest port in the South Atlantic and known for its industry-leading productivity.

“The SC Ports Authority welcomes American Tactical as a new customer,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority. “Our capable harbor will facilitate their ability to import goods from Europe and Asia, helping grow the resurgence of manufacturing in the U.S. This announcement is a testament to the fact that South Carolina is a great place to do business.”

“We are pleased to welcome American Tactical Imports to the region,” said Bob Whitten, chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board. “The Port of Charleston, readySC’s customized training programs and our supply of highly skilled workers were critical factors in American Tactical Imports’ decision to locate its headquarters in Dorchester County. The company will be an asset to our community.”

“We welcome American Tactical Imports to Dorchester County,” said Dorchester County Council Chairman Bill Hearn. “The County’s skilled workforce and proximity to the Port of Charleston played a major role in the company’s decision. We are excited to welcome ATI to Dorchester County and look forward to a long relationship with them.”

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits.