Gun manufacturer Remington is closing a historic manufacturing plant, opened in 1828, due to concerns about New York’s “legislative environment.”
BREAKING: Remington, the nation's oldest gun manufacturer, has announced its departure from New York.
They are moving the facility to Georgia.
— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) February 21, 2024
Liberals online claim that the company’s reason for leaving is lower labor costs in non-union areas, but the company’s statement suggests otherwise.
CEO Ken D’Arcy has stated that he is concerned about the “legislative environment” in New York, and is moving production to Georgia, which he says is more welcoming for the firearm industry.
New York has some of the most stringent gun control laws in the country, with the state leaning heavily blue thanks to the high population of New York City. While rural areas are more conservative, they have little bearing on statewide laws.
New York State Senator Joseph Griffo (R), Assemblyman Brian Miller (R) and Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R) released the following statement:
“Remington’s reported decision to close its Ilion plant next year is concerning and unfortunate. This facility, which received investment from the state, employs many local residents. 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.”
The company stated its intention to close down the plant last year in a letter to union officials. The plant is set to close around March 4 of this year.
The company was founded by Eliphalet Remington II in 1816, and moved manufacturing to Ilion, New York in 1828, near the Erie Canal.
Remington manufactured guns and ammunition for America and her allies during both world wars, including about half the small arms ammunition utilized by all the Allies during the entirety of both wars, according to the company website.
Since Remington’s 2018 and 2020 bankruptcy filings, it only employs around 300 workers. While many families will face the financial consequences, the situation is not quite as dire for the community as previous layoffs. Despite this, the closure is still estimated to cost the city around a million dollars annually.
