Another relocation in the firearms industry: after Smith & Wesson's sensational moving from its historical base in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Tennessee, Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp announced on Monday that Remington Firearms (RemArms), America’s oldest firearms manufacturer, will relocate its global headquarters from Ilion, New York, to LaGrange, Georgia. Remington will also open a new advanced manufacturing operation as well as a world-class research and development center there. Total investment by RemArms will amount to $100 million and will create 856 jobs over a five-year period in Troup County.
Firearms manufacturers in the US moving to "more friendly" states
Here are some interesting statements from the people directly involved in the relocation. First, Governor Kemp: “The state’s firearms industry is responsible for thousands of Georgia jobs and millions of dollars of investment in our communities. It’s a pleasure to welcome Remington Firearms, with its rich American history, to their new home and global headquarters in the Peach State. I look forward to seeing the opportunities RemArms creates across west Georgia.”
Then Ken D’Arcy, RemArms CEO: “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. Between the support we’ve received from the state and from Scott Malone and Kelley Bush of the City of LaGrange Economic Development Authority, we cannot wait to expand our company in Georgia. Everyone involved in this process has shown how important business is to the state and how welcoming they are to all business, including the firearms industry.”
Last but not least, the Mayor of LaGrange. Jim Thornton: “I am thrilled to welcome Remington Firearms to the growing list of manufacturers who call LaGrange home. The Remington name has long been associated with great products, and I know they will continue that tradition and be very successful here. I applaud the partnership with Governor Kemp and the economic development teams at the state and at the city that help attract great companies to our community.”
Expected consequences of the relocation of Remingtom Arms
Phil Smith, a spokesperson for the United Mine Workers of America, which represents some workers at a RemArms factory in Ilion, said the union had no information whether workers in New York would be affected.
The new owners of Remington recently restarted operations there. The plants were just re-opened in March 2021, calling back more than 200 workers, and the local government in New York offered 10 years of tax breaks in exchange for the restart.
So, what effect will have the relocation on Remington's operations in New York and Tennessee? It's still unclear at this time. The company owns the parts of the former Remington Outdoor Co. which make rifles, shotguns and some handguns after other assets were auctioned off in pieces last year during the bankruptcy proceeding of Remington in Alabama.
