Smith & Wesson parent company splits in two; firearm maker retains name, will be headquartered in Springfield

Smith & Wesson changed its name to American Outdoor Brands in 2016 as part of a diversification push — the opposite corporate strategy from the one announced Wednesday.Smith & Wesson has has 1,600 employees at its Springfield manufacturing plant. New companies Smith & Wesson Brands Inc., based in Springfield, will encompass the firearms business, and American Outdoor Brands Inc. will include the outdoor products and accessories businesses, which sell everything from pocketknives to saws and gun cleaning supplies. Corporate spokeswoman Liz Sharp didn’t respond to emailed questions Wednesday

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