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He's had enough. Moving to Iowa.>
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/17266371.htm
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/17266371.htm
Up to 18 jobs lost due to Ill's possible semi-auto ban. Iowa wins, Ill loses.Associated Press
LECLAIRE, Iowa - An Illinois gun maker plans to move to Iowa after
the LeClaire City Council agreed to sell city-owned land to the company.
The council voted Monday to approve the sale of the land to Les Baer
Custom for $10,000.
The company is currently based in Hillsdale, Ill., but its owner, Les
Baer, decided to move after Illinois lawmakers proposed a ban on
the distribution, sales and manufacturing of semiautomatic weapons.
Baer hopes to move into a one-story steel building on LeClaire's west
side by November. The building will be used to make custom 1911
revolvers and AR .223 caliber rifles, he said.
The move initially will create 14 jobs with a total of at least 18 jobs
by 2010, Baer said.
Initial opposition to the plan quieted and no one spoke in opposition
of the project during Monday's meeting.
Rick Reed, president of the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce said the
custom firearms company will help strengthen the city's manufacturing
base.
"We're thrilled to see Les Baer will be coming to our community, and
we welcome new businesses and manufacturing to LeClaire," Reed
said.
The council also voted to give Les Baer $150,000 in tax increment financing.