Remington gun factory set to close
Layoffs coming at facility that has been producing firearms in NY since 1816
Amy Neff Roth
Utica Observer Dispatch
USA TODAY NETWORK
UTICA, N.Y. – RemArms, the current version of Remington Arms, will close its facility in Ilion, New York, in early March, according to a letter the company sent union officials last week.
'I am writing to inform you that RemArms, LLC ('the Company') has decided to close its entire operations at 14 Hoefler Avenue, Ilion, NY 13357 (the 'Ilion Facility'),' begins the letter ending two centuries of history. 'The Company expects that operations at the Ilion Facility will conclude on or about March 4, 2024. The Company did not arrive at this decision lightly.'
The layoffs should take place between March 4 and March 18, wrote Brian Wheatley, director of benefits and compensation for the firm in Kernersville, North Carolina, to officials with the United Mine Workers of America.
Remington, the nation’s oldest gunmaker, was founded in Ilion, producing firearms there since 1816. Over the years, the facility has seen layoffs, temporary closures and bankruptcy. But through it all, generations of local families have worked at the plant, which currently employs about 270 workers, according to its union.
‘Merry Christmas’
'Merry Christmas from RemArms,' said a statement released by the United Mine Workers from its International President Cecil E. Roberts, who called the closure 'extremely disappointing' and the timing before the holidays 'a slap in the face.'
'The workers in Ilion enabled RemArms to rise from the ashes of the Remington Arms bankruptcy in 2020-21,' Roberts said in the statement. 'Without these workers and their dedication to producing the best firearms in the world, this company simply would not exist.'
Elected officials react
Local officials also expressed dismay that the area would lose a longtime employer.
'Herkimer County is deeply disappointed with RemArms’ decision to leave Herkimer County and the Village of Ilion,' said Vincent Bono, chairman of the Herkimer County Legislature. 'The impact of the livelihoods of over 250 employees is a serious concern to our community.
'The loss of revenues to the entire community will have concerning effects going forward for the progress of Ilion and Herkimer County. We will work diligently at all levels to help the displaced workers find work and continue on with their lives.'
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-Marcy, called the news devastating. 'I stood with the United Mine Workers and their families in 2020 (when the plant was sold) and acted as a conduit between the State of New York and the new owners,' she said in a statement. 'I truly believe the employees at RemArms are a strong and dedicated workforce at the Ilion plant.
'While I do not represent the district, I represent the community; I have met many of these families and I’m here to offer the support that they need during these challenging times.'
Area elected Republicans also released statements blaming the policies of the state’s Democratic leaders for the company’s decision.
In a joint statement, state Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome; Assemblyman Brian Miller, R-New Hartford; and Assemblyman Robert Smullen, R-Meco, called the news concerning and unfortunate, noting state investment in the plant and the employment it provides residents.
'Unfortunately, like we have seen all too often in New York,' the statement continued, 'burdensome regulations, crippling taxes and problematic energy and other policies continue to force businesses and companies to flee the state, taking jobs and livelihoods with them. We will continue to communicate with state and federal officials and work to help and assist the company’s employees and their families during this difficult time.'
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., criticized Democrats’ gun control policies in a statement.
'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' she said in the statement. 'I have spoken with local officials and Remington Arms union members in United Mine Workers of America, Local 717 about how we must stand up to New York’s failed unconstitutional gun bans.'
‘Continuing challenge’
The letter from RemArms did mention 'an environment in Georgia that supports and welcomes the firearms industry.'
But, the letter also talked at far greater length about the 'structural and continuing challenges that create production inefficiencies' in the Ilion facility. Here are the examples mentioned:
The need for 'excess' handling during production given the plant’s multi-building, multi-story layout.
The expense of running a steam plant (as well as paying natural gas and utility bills) for almost 1 million square feet of space when the company does not use all that space.
'High and unexpected' costs for maintenance and insurance, mostly because the buildings date to between 1914 and 1916.
The union, though, in Roberts’ statement, urged RemArms to look for alternatives to keep the plant operational, noting how much an abandoned plant could cost the town and the state in cleanup and other costs.
'The simple fact is that RemArms will never be able to match the experience and dedication of the workers in Central New York,' Roberts said, 'who for generations worked in this plant and kept this company alive.'
The United Mine Workers is continuing to fight, he added, looking for all legal means to keep union jobs 'where they belong, in Ilion, New York.'
The union urged RemArms to look for alternatives to keep the plant operational, noting how much an abandoned plant could cost the town and state in cleanup and other costs.
Generations of local families have worked at the Remington Arms factory, which currently employs about 270 workers, according to its union. Alex Cooper/Utica Observer Dispatch
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