State Grant Helps Bring 100 Jobs To Mohawk Valley

ILION, 02/11/11 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today joined  Herkimer County economic development officials for an update on improvements at Remington Arms including the relocation of a portion of the Marlin product line from Connecticut and the addition of nearly 100 full-time manufacturing jobs.

“Remington Arms is a long standing community leader and strong economic development partner,” said Senator Seward.  “I was pleased to support Remington’s pursuit of state funds for this expansion and am excited to see how quickly the manufacturer has gone from design phase to reality, adding much needed, good paying jobs in upstate New York.”

In May, 2010, Remington Arms announced plans to relocate a portion of its Connecticut operation to Ilion, adding nearly 100 manufacturing jobs.  The expansion project was supported in part with a $1.65 million grant from the Empire State Development Corporation and a $750,000 New York State Community Development Block Grant.

Remington Arms Ilion plant manager James Rabbia said, “Senator Seward endorsed Remington’s request for funding and helped secure state approval in a timely fashion.  His fast action and support has helped the Marlin lever action firearms line to be installed and begin operations on time in Ilion.  We cannot thank the senator enough for his efforts as well as the state economic development agency and the Herkimer County IDA.”

Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency Executive Director Mark Feane added, “The Mohawk Valley has a lot to offer the business community, something Remington Arms clearly understands.  I hope this latest expansion sends a message to other companies contemplating growth or relocation and draws them here as well.”

Empire State Development Mohawk Valley Regional Director Kenneth Tompkins said, "Less than a year after its most recent expansion plans were announced, Remington Arms is nearing completion of its project, which has already had a measurable impact on the community with the addition of nearly 100 high paying jobs at its Ilion facility.  With its second expansion in as many years, Remington's continued commitment to New York is a testament to all our state has to offer-from its strategic location to its highly skilled workforce.  ESD is pleased to be a partner with Remington Arms and the area's local stakeholders as we work together to spur future growth in the Mohawk Valley and restore New York's economy."

“Investing in Remington is a prime example of how state grant funds should be used, and what can be accomplished through public-private partnerships,” Seward concluded.

In 2010, Senator Seward also co-sponsored legislation that clears the way for properly licensed firearms companies, including Remington Arms, to manufacture and repair silencers for law enforcement agencies and U.S. and foreign militaries. 

Seward also opposed gun-control legislation known as “microstamping” resisted by Remington Arms, other firearms companies, sportsmen, and legal gun owners as unproven, burdensome and ineffective.

About Remington Arms Company, Inc.
Remington Arms Company, Inc., headquartered in Madison, N.C., designs, produces and sells sporting goods products for the hunting and shooting sports markets, as well as solutions to the military, government and law enforcement markets. Founded in 1816 in upstate New York, the company is one of the nation's oldest continuously operating manufacturers. Remington is the only U.S. manufacturer of both firearms and ammunition products and one of the largest domestic producers of shotguns and rifles. The company distributes its products throughout the U.S. and in over 55 foreign countries. More information about the company can be found at www.remington.com.

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