Most TTAG readers are likely familiar with ZEV Technologies, a Washington state-based company that was launched 20 years ago and, at the time, specialized in top-quality Glock aftermarket parts. Later, the company began making complete pistols, and more recently, AR-style rifles and firearm components.
Purchased by SilencerCo back in 2024, the company’s latest introduction is the Folding Defensive Platform, touted as the “ultimate solution for shooters seeking a compact, powerful, and highly concealable defensive weapon system.”
Over the past several years, Washington has moved politically further and further toward the anti-gun end of the political spectrum. In 2023, state lawmakers passed a ban on so-called “assault weapons,” which are actually common semi-automatic rifles in lawful use throughout the state and the country. Other infringements passed in the past few years include a ban on common firearm magazines, a so-called “red-flag” law and, most recently, a permit-to-purchase law.
Thanks to Washington’s consistent move away from being a 2A-friendly state, ZEV Technologies has announced it is moving its headquarters to Riverton, Utah—a far more politically friendly state to lawful gun owners.
“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,” a news release announcing the move stated.
ZEV Technologies President Taylor Goode said politics played the biggest role in the company’s decision to pull up stakes and relocate to Utah.
“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,” Goode said.
“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.”
ZEV’s relocation is occurring in waves, with some business functions already relocated to Riverton. The company said the move to the Second Amendment-friendly Salt Lake City metropolitan area is expected to be complete by the end of May.
A growing hub for firearm and related equipment manufacturing and innovation, Utah offers a skilled workforce and strong infrastructure to support the intricate demands 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.
“This transition positions ZEV Technologies to accelerate innovation and more effectively meet the evolving needs of our highly discerning customer base,” Goode concluded.
ZEV is just the latest firearm-related company to move out of an anti-2A state to a more gun-friendly locale. Last year, Henry Repeating Arms moved from its longtime home in New Jersey to Wisconsin. Other notable companies that have moved because of adverse political climates include Smith & Wesson (Massachusetts to Tennessee), Remington (New York to Georgia), Magpul (Colorado to Wyoming and Texas), and Stag Arms (Connecticut to Wyoming).
