Posted on 02/11/2024 7:16:07 PM PST by SeekAndFind
This is some sad news that we've known was coming for several years, but now the end is almost upon us. Remington Arms has been manufacturing quality firearms in the upstate New York village of Ilion for more than two centuries. At one time it employed thousands of workers and it could be argued that Ilion wouldn't have really existed without it. But next month, the doors will close and the last workers will be sent to the unemployment lines. But that won't be the end of Remington's various product lines. You'll still be able to find them in gun shops around the world. But they will be manufactured in Georgia from now on, a state far more friendly and welcoming to Remington and the firearms industry in general. (Associated Press)
Remington began here two centuries ago and generations of workers have turned out rifles and shotguns at the massive firearms factory in the middle of this blue-collar village in the heart of New York’s Mohawk Valley.
Now residents of Ilion are bracing for Remington’s exit, ending an era that began when Eliphalet Remington forged his first rifle barrel nearby in 1816.
The nation’s oldest gun-maker recently announced plans to shutter the factory in the company’s original home early next month, citing the steep cost of running the historic plant. Remington is consolidating its operations in Georgia, a state the company says is friendlier to the firearms industry.
As I've discussed here in the past, this story is rather personal for me. I grew up barely six miles from that factory and many of my relatives worked there over the years. I used to ride my bike past it with my friends several times per week when the weather permitted. Our home always had Remington Arms rifles and pistols in it, mixed in with some other brands.
But we really can't blame Remington for fleeing New York and gutting the economy of one small village. They were forced into the decision by ferociously high taxes and a seemingly neverending series of crippling lawsuits brought by anti-gun advocates. The company had already filed for Chapter 11 protection back in 22018.
To their credit, the AP does a decent job of interviewing Remington employees and their family members to deliver a bit of context to the story. Remington Arms wasn't just a factory or a place to work. It was part of the community for far, far longer than living memory. Jobs there were looked upon as a birthright, with sons following their fathers into Remington's ranks for generation after generation. It was not uncommon to see the grandsons of upper-level managers joining their fathers on the production line or in other parts of the plant.
They spoke with one man whose wife and two of their adult children still work there today. They will all be out of work next month and there are few other large employers hiring currently without needing to commute out of the valley.
This sad story is similar to that of Smith & Wesson, which had produced firearms in Massachusetts since the 1800s. They too were forced to file for Chapter 11 a few years ago and have since moved their headquarters to Tennessee. What do Massachusetts and New York have in common? Quite a bit, including high taxes, rampant overregulation, frequent protests, and courts that entertain bizarre lawsuits against the firearms industry. Why would any company with an interest in survival stick around? The answer is that they wouldn't and they aren't. And they're taking their jobs with them. Best of luck in Georgia, Remington. I know you will be far more appreciated there. But New York is going to miss you when you're gone.
Sounds familiar. Also Western NY?
Yes, Ruger has factories in Arizona and Georgia in addition to the one in Connecticut. Still, the HQ is located in Connecticut even though its only one of 3 factories they have.
They are short sighted.
Jawjar is going jungle law.
Anderson Manufacturing (known for making AR-15 and AR-10 rifles and Kiger pistols) in Hebron, KY has a custom gun shop using remaining Remington components.
https://andersonmanufacturing.com/customshop
I have a rifle and pistol that I bought from them. Not from the custom shop. Good people to deal with.
Any reasonable company should move from blue states to red states and enjoy the freedom and prosperity.
if you think liberal democrats and rino’s are overbearing now just wait until they can disarm all law abiding American citizens. elections have consequences and then everyone suffers the consequences.
Thank you Remington arms for your service to the Republic.
Remington main factory was in Bridgeport back until the 1960s. The factory is supposed to be haunted. Connecticut Valley was a gun manufacturer area. I think Ruger is headquartered still in CT. Their guns are made in Arizona.
Sig is still up North.
Prescott? Where in Prescott?
....so did I.....grew up in one of the suburbs of Albany...the education I got from those public schools was outstanding...have no idea what those schools are like today (I think my old high school now boasts an LGBTQ club of some sort...disgusting...)...
Dittos here, Utica (down the road from Ilion) native from the same era.
Right next to the airport, out by the intersection of 89 and 89A.
“Prescott? Where in Prescott?”
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
200 Ruger Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301
Adjacent to the airport.
Back in 1963 the Libs in Yankee Land began to scream for a law to ban the import of 5-shot bolt action army surplus rifles! After all, the President had just been killed with one!
“Evil Guns! Bad! Turns men into criminals! Guns made for killing PEOPLE!”
They finally got the ban in 1968. Years later, it was found the anti-military surplus gun ban movement of that time was to stop foreign competition from cheap military rifles. After all, a import military rifle cost about 12-29 dollars as opposed to a $95 dollar rifle made by Remington, Savage or Winchester!
Years later it was found the ban had no effect on crime, and bolt action military rifles were again allowed int the US.
But by then the “Armory of the US”, the North East had become so anti-gun that even the sports arms makers were taking heat to close down. Now they have and moved South.
How wonderful! New York state has become safe again!
/sarc
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1180 Delaware Avenue. Not far from Calasanctius.
Delaware Avenue is one beautiful street, all those old-time mansions.
The IAM (International Association of Machinists) union wrecked Pratt. Very Socialist union. My dad worked for them in management. Dad decided to buy an used AMC wagon instead of his Vette, when the IAM said they will vandalize any cars of Management who crosses the picket line.
Unions suck...
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