The Longest Running Firearm Facility In America Forced To Shut Down

On Thursday, Remington Arms, the renowned firearm manufacturer with a storied history, announced that it is closing its facility in Ilion, New York, nearly two hundred years after it first opened its doors. The facility, which is the oldest weapon manufacturing plant in the United States, is expected to shutter in March of next year, leaving around 300 employees without work.

In a memo to employees, Remington said, "I am writing to inform you that RemArms, LLC has decided to close its entire operation at 14 Hoefler Avenue, NY 13357. The Company expects that operations at the Ilion Facility will conclude on or about March 4, 2024." The plant, which was opened in 1828, had seen significant issues over the past two decades, particularly after the families of those killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, sued the company for the use of a Remington' Bushmaster's AR-15 in the school shooting. A $73 million settlement was eventually reached with the families, as reported by Breitbart.

In addition to the lawsuit, Remington also faced the sweeping and restrictive gun laws of New York, which began when the legislature passed the Safe Act in 2013. Laws such as these eventually led Remington to open a new plan in Alabama, per CNY Central.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) emphasized that she will continue to stand up against the unconstitutional gun bans that have contributed to the plant's closure. "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," Stefanik said.

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo (R), Assemblyman Brian Miller (R), and Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R) also released a statement, per News Channel 2, that read, "Remington's reported decision to close its Ilion plant next year is concerning and unfortunate. This facility, which received investment from the state, employs many local residents. Unfortunately, like we have seen all too often in New York, 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."

The closure of the oldest firearms plant in America is the end of an era not only for the small town of Ilion but for the country at large.

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