The latest company to read the room and decide that their business is no longer valued or wanted where they’re currently located is ZEV Technologies. The maker of high end GLOCK platform pistols — among other firearms — has been located in Cenralia, Washington. But as creeping California hoplophobia made its way up the west coast, it’s become clear in recent years that the Evergreen State is no longer a conducive atmosphere in which to do business as a gun maker.
As such, ZEV announced today that they’ll be leaving Washington behind them. As the company was acquired by SilencerCo back in 2024, gun-friendly Utah was a logical relocation choice.
Here’s ZEV’s announcement . . .
ZEV Technologies, maker of performance handguns, AR-style rifles, components, and the new Folding Defensive Platform, announces the relocation of its headquarters and manufacturing operations to Riverton, Utah. The move from Washington state was driven by the brand’s desire to conduct its business in a state that respects Second Amendment rights and fosters a positive business environment for 2A-affiliated brands. For years, no such environment existed in Washington.
ZEV’s relocation is occurring in waves, with some business functions already relocated to Riverton. The move to the 2A-friendly Salt Lake City metropolitan area is expected to be complete by May 31.
A growing hub for firearm-related manufacturing and innovation, Utah offers a skilled workforce and strong infrastructure to support the intricate nature of firearm production. In Riverton, ZEV Technologies will occupy a 40,000-square-foot facility, expanding the company’s overall manufacturing capacity. The relocation aims to bring new jobs into the valley by the time it is complete, including advanced manufacturing, engineering, and operational roles.
“Due to the evolving political climate in Washington state, our company determined that it could no longer, in good conscience, continue operations in a jurisdiction where law-abiding citizens are restricted from purchasing and owning the products we manufacture. Relocating to Utah represents a strategic decision that not only expands our capacity for growth and scalability but also strengthens our ability to invest in innovation, advanced manufacturing, and product development,” said ZEV Technologies President Taylor Goode. “This transition positions ZEV Technologies to accelerate innovation and more effectively meet the evolving needs of our highly discerning customer base.”