The Remington gun factory in New York's Mohawk Valley is moving to Georgia after over 200 years. "Two hundred and eight years of history. Gone, gone," said Ilion Mayor John P. Stephens.
Remington, the oldest gun maker in the U.S., announced the move to Georgia, citing a more supportive environment for the firearms industry.
Ilion residents are facing the reality of losing a core part of their town's identity. "It’s going to be like part of your family has moved off," said retired employee Jim Conover.
Frank "Rusty" Brown, a factory worker, expressed personal and family ties to Remington. With the move, he and his wife, among others in his family, will lose their jobs.
The closure will leave about 300 people jobless in Ilion, impacting the town's revenue by $1 million. Local businesses are expected to suffer as well.
"It's like the town is losing its soul," Mayor Stephens remarked, highlighting the emotional and economic toll on Ilion.
Financial struggles and legal challenges have plagued Remington, leading to bankruptcy filings in 2018 and 2020 and a $73 million lawsuit settlement in 2022.
Critics, including U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik and state Sen. Mark Walczyk, blame New York's strict gun laws for the move. They criticize the state's stance on gun control and its impact on businesses.
Remington's CEO expressed excitement over the move to Georgia, praising the state's welcoming attitude towards the firearms industry.
This move is part of a broader trend of gun manufacturers leaving the northeast for more gun-friendly southern states, similar to Smith & Wesson's relocation to Tennessee.