Column By Mike Bibb
Two hundred and eight years of history. Gone, gone. Ilion is Remington. Remington is Ilion. The history and the nostalgic loss that we’re going to suffer is almost, if not bigger, than the financial loss.
John P. Stephens, Ilion City Mayor – New York Times, Feb. 18, 2024
As a sign of the times, New York’s economy, taxation, government policies, and collapsing social environment are forcing many businesses to exit the Empire State in favor of resettling in more hospitable conditions.
Similar to scenarios playing out in equally Blue California and Illinois. The cost of doing business in these states is costing too much. As a result, states like Arizona, Florida, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and others are witnessing an influx of businesses and residents seeking a less expensive and regulatory lifestyle.
Unfortunately, Ilion, NY is experiencing the reality of its own state government’s rules and regulations smothering the incentives of private industry.
Particularly, coming on the heels of COVID’s spectacularly stupid mandates, which nearly crippled New York’s economy.
Being a firearms manufacturer is an especially daunting endeavor. Federal, state, and local laws, coupled with constant legislative pushes for additional gun controls, make producing and selling their product considerably more arduous than most businesses. Often, costly litigation is another expense to contend with.
When all is said and done – unless necessary – why would any private company continue to remain in a state that increasingly makes it difficult for them to do business?
Remington’s early history began in a blacksmith’s shop. Eliphalet Remington, Jr. began his career working in his dad’s forge in Litchfield, NY in 1816. He made only rifle barrels at the time. Later, he moved his production facilities to Ilion in 1826.
It wasn’t until the late 1840s and early 1850s that Remington began producing complete rifles, mostly military style for the government. A few revolvers were also made.
Leadup to the Civil War, and during the conflict, greatly increased Remington’s fortunes and manufacturing capabilities.
Their innovations in rifles and shotguns, with modern mass production capabilities, propelled Remington into being a major player in the small arms and ammunition business in New York and the nation.
Remington was also an important supplier of firearms in World Wars I and II. However, the sun didn’t always shine over Remington’s brand. Increased competition, mismanagement, government regulations, and rising indebtedness forced the parent company, Remington Outdoor, into bankruptcy in 2020.
A new company, RemArms, was formed. To cut production costs and withdraw from New York’s excessive taxation and regulatory requirements, the decision was made to abandon the old Ilion, NY complex and move the entire operation to LaGrange, Georgia. – “Remington’s Ilion Factory Closes,” American Rifleman, March 2024.
Approximately 800 employees will be working at the new $100 million factory.
Needless to say, Remington’s move upset a few folks.
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik’s (R-NY) district including Ilion, posted “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. 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. [Gov.] Hochul must stop her unconstitutional assault on the Second Amendment now.”
Remington’s chief executive, Ken D’Arcy, commented in a press release, “We are deeply saddened by the closing of this historic facility. But maintaining and operating those very old buildings is cost-prohibitive. And New York State’s legislative environment remains a major concern for our industry.”
His key words “legislative environment,” should be heeded by all rational thinking politicians.
