The 200-year-old iconic gun company is closing its shop in New York to relocate to a more gun-friendly state.
The RemArms, Remington’s current name, announced last December that they would halt production in the Empire State in March. According to the company’s executive during a discussion with union officials, the remaining operations in Ilion will transfer to Georgia, a state that “supports and welcomes” the gun-production industry. This decision is a massive blow not only to the town but also to New York, whose history has long been interlinked with the factory.
According to an article by the Gateway Pundit, Ilon was the birthplace of Remington. Since 1816 the company has been manufacturing arms within the city.
In a statement sent out by officers of RemArms last December, they said: “Unfortunately, like we have seen all too often in New York, burdensome regulations, crippling taxes and problematic energy and other policies continue to force businesses and companies to flee the state, taking jobs and livelihoods with them.”
“We will continue to communicate with state and federal officials and work to help and assist the company’s employees and their families during this difficult time.”
Furthermore, “RemArms is excited to expand our facilities in Georgia,” the auto replay email stated, before adding that the Peach State “not only welcomes business but enthusiastically supports and welcomes companies in the firearms industry.”
Ilon Mayor John P. Stephens told the New York Times, how they are grieving for the loss of the historic gun factory.
“Two hundred and eight years of history. Gone, gone. Ilion is Remington. Remington is Ilion,” expressed Stephens.
“The history and the nostalgic loss that we’re going to suffer is almost, if not bigger than, the financial loss.”
The closure will lay off 300 workers, and the village will likely lose $1 million of revenue. Ilion mayor also expects that RemArms’ move will affect other businesses within the area.
“It’s like the town is losing its soul.” “It’s almost like losing a family member. That’s the thing that people are struggling with, the nostalgia, the history. It feels like we are losing the identity of the town,” shared the Ilion mayor.
RemArms CEO Ken D’Arcy touted the Ilion workers but reiterated that Georgia will be more beneficial for the company.
“We are deeply saddened by the closing of this historic facility.”
“But maintaining and operating those very old buildings is cost prohibitive. And New York State’s legislative environment remains a major concern for our industry,” said D’Arcy
New York Representative Elise Stefanik (R) hits radical left for imposing unconstitutional gun policies, which pushes businesses out of the state.
“It is because of New York Democrats’ unconstitutional gun grab policies that the oldest gun manufacturer in the country has been run out of the state,” Stefanik said.
