ILION, N.Y. – Remington, the country’s oldest firearms manufacturer, has announced plans to close its factory in Ilion next month, leaving the small New York village facing a significant loss. For over 200 years, Remington has been a key presence in Ilion, where generations of workers have produced rifles and shotguns. The closure, driven by the high costs of operating the historic factory and a more accommodating business environment in Georgia, has raised concerns about the village’s future. With a dramatic drop in income and the prospect of a vacant factory, Ilion residents are bracing themselves for the impact of Remington’s retreat.
Remington’s departure from Ilion marks the end of an era that began in 1816 when Eliphalet Remington forged the first rifle barrel in the vicinity. The factory’s closure is deeply felt by the community of 7,600 people, as gun manufacturing has long dominated and defined the village. Ilion Mayor John Stevens describes it as akin to a family member leaving.
The decision to close the factory comes on the heels of a turbulent period for Remington. Following a bankruptcy filing and a change in ownership, the number of employees at the Ilion plant has dwindled from over 1,300 to approximately 300. In a letter to union leaders, Rem Arms, the current owner of Remington Firearms, attributed the closure to production inefficiencies and the high costs of maintaining the expansive factory space.
While some believe the move to Georgia is primarily driven by a desire to reduce labor and operating costs, Republican lawmakers in upstate New York have sought to link the closure to gun control measures pushed by New York City-area Democrats. They argue that the state’s regulatory environment is driving firearms manufacturers away. Remington is not the only company to have sought a more gun-friendly location, as Smith & Wesson recently moved its headquarters from Massachusetts to Tennessee.
As the closure looms, the impact on Ilion is tangible. The once bustling factory now stands mostly empty, and nearby businesses that relied on factory workers are already experiencing a significant drop in orders. Local officials are hopeful that the factory site will be repurposed for a mix of manufacturing, retail, and residential facilities, but its fate remains uncertain. The loss of the factory is expected to cost the village nearly $1 million annually in utilities and taxes.
Ilion residents recognize the historical significance and personal connections to the Remington factory. Jim Conover, a former employee at the factory, reflects on the generations of families that have worked there, including his own. The closure represents a double blow for him and his wife, who have both lost their jobs.
Ultimately, as Remington departs, the village of Ilion faces an uncertain future. While Mayor Stevens is optimistic that the remaining workers will find employment elsewhere, the economic impact remains a concern. The small New York village will now need to navigate the challenges of filling the void left by the departure of a longstanding industry and find new paths for growth and prosperity.
