PHOENIX — A gun parts manufacturer announced it would move its operations to Arizona because of California’s restrictive gun laws.

Apex Tactical Specialties said in a press release on its website that the company’s new Peoria, Arizona facility will be 50,000 square feet, an upgrade from its current 6,000-square-foot building in Los Osos, California.

Founded back in 2000, Apex was originally known as the go-to shop for any custom gun manufacturing. However, the company has grown more over the years and, due to the recent gun law changes in California, was searching for greener pastures.

“As native Californians, (co-owner Scott Folk) and I have always considered California our home,” co-owner Randy Lee said. “Even when we found our home state to be less and less tolerant of us as shooters and of Apex as a firearms industry business, we hoped our future would still be in California.”

However, Scott said the move to Arizona would allow Apex to expand both its manufacturing capabilities and its efforts to develop new products.

“Getting out from under the restrictive and frankly punitive regulatory environment of California allows us to expand our R&D efforts as we continue to bring new products to market,” he said. “The move is not only good for Apex, but also our employees.”

The move to the Phoenix area also means a small influx of jobs. The company expects to employ about 50 people by the end of next year.

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