America’s oldest gun maker is closing its doors after 200 years

Remington, the nation’s oldest gun manufacturer, will close its factory in Llion, NY, and move to Georgia after 200 years of producing firearms in the Mohawk Valley.

Remington CEO Ken D’Arcy cited the “legislative environment” of New York as a core reason for the plant’s closure… pic.twitter.com/Ny8LgRUwRo

— The Flyover (@TheFlyoverNews) February 13, 2024

Remington, the nation’s oldest gun manufacturer, has faced financial difficulties in recent years, including two bankruptcy filings and a $73 million lawsuit settlement. The company’s move to Georgia is driven by the state’s supportive stance on the firearms industry, in contrast to New York’s restrictive gun laws.

The relocation will result in the loss of approximately 300 jobs in a town of 7,600, with the local economy expected to lose $1 million in revenue. The impact on the community goes beyond the financial, as generations of families have worked at the factory, and its departure is seen as a loss of the town’s identity.

New York is not a friendly place for any business.

If NY keeps chasing businesses away how will it survive?

The Remington gun factory, Located in New York’s Mohawk Valley, is closing its doors and fleeing to Georgia, where the firearms industry is supported and welcomed after… pic.twitter.com/KDUvYMLJRs

— Old School Eddie (@Old_SchoolEddie) February 21, 2024

Critics of the move, including Rep. Elise Stefanik and state Sen. Mark Walczyk, have pointed to New York’s Gun Industry Liability Law as a significant factor in pushing the company out of the state. They argue that the law unfairly targets the firearms industry and is detrimental to businesses.

Remington’s CEO has expressed excitement about the move to Georgia, citing the state’s welcoming business environment and support for the Second Amendment. The company is not alone in its relocation, as Smith & Wesson moved from Massachusetts to Tennessee last year, highlighting a trend of gun manufacturers leaving the Northeast for the South.

In conclusion, the closure of the Remington gun factory in New York’s Mohawk Valley marks the end of an era for the community of Ilion. The move to Georgia is seen as a consequence of New York’s restrictive gun laws and a lack of support for the firearms industry, while Georgia’s embrace of the Second Amendment makes it an attractive destination for gun manufacturers.