New York Gun Maker Says Goodbye – “Two Hundred and Eight Years of History. Gone.”

By: Julia | Published: Apr 28, 2024

Gun maker Remington has announced it is moving its factory from the small town of Ilion, New York to Georgia in a decision that has shocked workers and residents alike.

Remington has been a mainstay in Ilion for 208 years. However, thanks to the ongoing fight over gun rights, many businesses have recently decided to move from blue states to red states that are more aligned with their company’s view. Remington is just the latest to do so.

Remington’s Departure From New York

Remington’s decision to move their factory from Ilion, New York to Georgia has completely shocked locals throughout the town.

Source: Suzutuki/Wikimedia Commons

For many in Ilion, their life is intertwined with Remington — and always has been. Much of the town’s history walks hand in hand with Remington and the factory that has employed many Ilion residents for over two hundred years.

How Locals Feel

As a result of this long history, many locals feel shocked and saddened by Remington’s decision to move. Ilion’s major, John P. Stephens, voiced many resident’s feelings when discussing this news.

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“Two hundred and eight years of history. Gone, gone,” Stephens said. “Ilion is Remington. Remington is Ilion.”

Losing Ilion History

Mayor Stephens further expressed his grief over Remington’s decision to move its factory to Georgia.

The Remington Stables in Ilion, New York, which now houses a theater.

Source: Magicpiano/Wikimedia Commons

Stephens explained, “It’s like the town is losing its soul. It’s almost like losing a family member. That’s the thing that people are struggling with, the nostalgia, the history. It feels like we are losing the identity of the town.”

Ilion, New York

Ilion is a small town in New York that was incorporated in 1852, thanks to the efforts of Eliphalet Remington II, the founder of Remington Arms.

A colorized portrait of Eliphalet Remington from the 1800s.

Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

Since this incorporation in 1852, Ilion and Remington have created much of their history together. Remington’s factory has always been the main industry in the town and has employed many residents. Today, the town remains small with a population of only 7,621 people.

Employees Will Miss Remington

Many employees, both past and present, have come out to lament Remington’s decision to leave Ilion for Georgia.

The post office building in Ilion, New York seen in the daytime.

Source: Magicpiano/Wikimedia Commons

Jim Conover, a retired Remington employee, stated, “When Remington leaves, it’s not going to be like a facility leaving, it’s going to be like part of your family has moved off.”

A Generational History

Because Remington has had a factory in the town for over two hundred years, many locals have grown up with it. For many in the area, the opportunity to work at the factory has been seen throughout generations of their families.

A table and wall with many guns, including Remington guns.

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Today, many current employees work alongside many of their family members.

Job Losses in Ilion

Unfortunately, Remington’s decision to move their factory will come with many people out of work in Ilion. For those whose family has always worked at the factory, this move will hurt the most.

An old historic home seen in Ilion, New York behind many trees.

Source: Magicpiano/Wikimedia Commons

One resident explained, “My mom worked there. My dad worked there. My wife works there with me now. My daughter works there with me now. My second daughter works there with me now. And my son-in-law works there. So it’s a double-hit for me and my wife: two of us out of a job.”

Ilion Businesses May Suffer

Factory employees aren’t the only ones concerned about Remington’s departure. Many in town are also worried that local businesses could suffer once Remington leaves.

A historic church next to other buildings seen in Ilion, New York.

Source: Magicpiano/Wikimedia Commons

Mayor Stephens explained that small businesses may see less business once the factory is gone. “I’ve spoken to a few businesses, that’s the part financially that’s going to hurt. Even if it’s only 300 people, they still buy gas, they still buy shoes,” Stephens stated. “That’s going to be a hit to the local businesses.”

Remington Is Looking Towards the Future

While many in Ilion are shocked by this news, Remington has decided to look forward to their future in Georgia.

Downtown Savannah, Georgia seen in the evening.

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“We are very excited to come to Georgia, a state that not only welcomes business but enthusiastically supports and welcomes companies in the firearms industry,” Ken D’Arcy, RemArms CEO, said.

Companies Moving From Blue To Red States

Remington’s decision to move from New York to Georgia further highlights how many companies are deciding to ditch blue states in favor of red states that are friendlier to their views.

A tree archway over a walking path seen in Savannah, Georgia.

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Other businesses have also decided to move headquarters to the south from states like California and New York because of lower taxes and fewer business regulations.

Gun Companies Are Moving South

Remington isn’t the only gun company that has decided to move to a southern state that is friendlier to gun rights. Last year, Smith & Wesson moved from Massachusetts to Tennessee.

A person holding and using a gun while at a gun range.

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This move has prompted many, including politicians, to announce that blue states need to change their stances or more job losses may be seen.