The nation’s oldest gun manufacturer is moving to LaGrange, Ga., after changes in New York make it unprofitable to continue there.
Remington, a 208-year-old company, has always been located in Ilion, New York. Yet, it will make the move to Georgia on March 4, according to an announcement made last week.
The reason for the move is based on politics. New York has become increasingly liberal and hostile towards the firearms industry. Georgia supports guns and would welcome the well-known gun company.
Remington CEO Ken D’Arcy said the decision comes at a time when remaining in the historic buildings is too expensive and the state’s legislative environment “remains a concern.”
Georgia will reap the benefit of the move, especially those in LaGrange. Remington is set to invest $100 million into the new operation. Plans are to hire more than 800 people over five years.
No one is sadder about the move than Ilion Mayor John P. Stevens. His father was a Remington employee for 37 years. He said Ilion was Remington. The loss is more than financial but a loss of nostalgia and history, Stephens said in an interview with the New York Times.
“Two hundred and eight years of history. Gone, gone,” he said.