Gun manufacturing giant Remington Arms is packing up its upstate New York roots after a storied 208 years and heading South to LaGrange, Georgia, bringing with it promises of job creation and significant investment into the region. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the move is set to inject $100 million into the Peach State's economy and create over 800 jobs, marking a significant shift in the business's operations and presence within the United States.
RemArms CEO Ken D’Arcy expressed excitement about the relocation to a state he describes as not just open for business but displaying enthusiastic support for firearms companies, D’Arcy's sentiments were highlighted as he mentioned the backing received from both state and local economic development authorities which seems to be a clear nod to Georgia's pro-gun business climate.
While the move is seen as a boon for Georgia, it comes at a cost to New York, where "production inefficiencies" and the high cost of maintaining its sprawling Ilion plant were cited as key reasons for the downsizing, according to details obtained by WSB-TV. The transfer of operations comes after multiple bankruptcy filings by Remington and a substantial lawsuit settlement over the Sandy Hook tragedy.
Amidst industry rumblings, Remington's move aligns with a broader trend of firearms manufacturers migrating to more business-friendly and gun-supportive states like Georgia and Tennessee, which provide not only a welcoming legislative environment but also a rich infrastructure for manufacturing and a significant base of hunting enthusiasts, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, an avowed supporter of the Second Amendment, hailed the transition, affirming his state's commitment to fostering a business atmosphere conducive to the thriving of such historic companies as Remington, the oldest firearms manufacturer in America.
Remington's legacy includes not only their status as firearms pioneers but also a foray into producing a range of consumer items throughout its history, however, with this chapter closed in New York, Georgia now stands as the new bastion for Remington's future ventures in firearm production.
