ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — As a broad gun-control measure aims to ban assault weapons in Maryland, neighboring states are trying to woo away a Beretta factory, whose employees would be unable to buy some of the guns it produces.

Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller noted Friday that senators changed the bill to enable Beretta to continue manufacturing and selling firearms. But he says the company still isn’t happy with the bill.

On Thursday, West Virginia House Speaker Rick Thompson said he had written to Beretta to offer his state as a location because it’s “where the people understand and care about your industry.”

Earlier in the week, Virginia Republican lieutenant governor candidate and investment company executive Pete Snyder wrote to the company touting Virginia’s favorable tax and gun climate.

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