Governor Matt Mead announced that firearms manufacturer Weatherby, Inc. will be relocating to Sheridan, Wyoming. Weatherby is a family-owned company that has been based in Paso Robles, California since its founding in 1945. Weatherby will bring its management team and manufacturing operations to Sheridan and create an estimated 70 to 90 jobs and $5 million in payroll in the next five years.
The Sheridan Economic and Education Development Authority (SEEDA) Joint Powers Board worked with the Wyoming Business Council (WBC) to secure a grant through the Business Ready Communities Program to help with the relocation
“This is wonderful for Wyoming and for Weatherby,” said Governor Mead. “Weatherby’s firearms will now be made in Sheridan and shipped all over the world. I am proud of the work done by the Wyoming Business Council, SEEDA, and all who helped make this happen. This deal has been in the works for over a year – good things are worth the wait.”
The recruitment of Weatherby was nicknamed “Project Enterprise” by the WBC and final grant approval was given by the State Loan and Investment Board on January 18, 2018. Under terms of the agreement, SEEDA will construct a building up to 100,000 square feet in the Sheridan High-Tech Business Park and lease the building to Weatherby for 20 years. The company will invest an estimated $2 million in relocation expenses and also capital investment in the building.
Weatherby CEO Adam Weatherby cited Wyoming’s business-friendly environment, Sheridan’s proximity to outdoor opportunities, the town’s vibrant downtown and a skilled workforce provided through Sheridan College. Weatherby joins fellow firearms companies Magpul Industries and HIVIZ Shooting Systems that also relocated to Wyoming.
“The ENDOW initiative positions Wyoming to build on this recruitment,” continued Governor Mead. “ENDOW is working to enhance key attributes that brought Weatherby to Wyoming.”