An iconic gun plant in Ilion, New York, that has been in operation since 1828 is set to shut down as RemArms, the successor to historic gunmaker Remington Arms, plans to relocate its operations to Georgia.
The United Mine Workers of America, which represents 270 of the factory’s workers, was notified by the company of its decision to move in a letter on Thursday.
The plant is scheduled to close on March 4, with layoffs occurring from that date until March 18, as reported by Utica’s Observer-Dispatch.
The factory currently employs around 309 people, making it the largest employer in Ilion, according to Mayor John Stephens on WAMC radio.
While the specific location of the new factory in Georgia has not been disclosed, RemArms cited the cost of operations, maintenance, and insurance as the primary reasons for the move, according to the Observer-Dispatch.
Unsurprisingly, the union expressed disappointment over the decision.
UMWA International President Cecil Roberts stated, “The workers in Ilion enabled RemArms to rise from the ashes of the Remington Arms bankruptcy in 2020-21. … Merry Christmas from RemArms. The simple fact is that RemArms will never be able to match the experience and dedication of the workers in Central New York, who for generations worked in this plant and kept this company alive.”
Remington’s legacy in the region dates back to 1816 when it began manufacturing guns, starting with flintlock rifles. The Ilion site has been in existence since 1828, with much of its infrastructure built in the early 20th century, as reported by The Associated Press.
According to Outdoor Life magazine, the Ilion plant is the longest-operating gun factory in America.
Local officials expressed their dismay over the impending move.
Ilion Mayor John Stephens described the news as “shocking” and expressed “disappointment not with the company, but with New York state.”
Additionally, Rep. Elise Stefanik, a New York Republican, attributed the relocation to the state’s leadership, stating, “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.”
