April 21, 2008
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES 100 NEW JOBS FOR THE MOHAWK VALLEY AT THE REMINGTON ARMS ILION FACILITY
America’s Oldest Manufacturer Pledges Continued Commitment to New York State
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that Remington Arms will add 100 new manufacturing jobs as part of a major renovation of their Ilion Firearms Plant and Custom Shop. The 192-year-old facility, which is the Mohawk Valley’s largest employer and the nation’s longest continuous manufacturer, will undergo a $14.3 million renovation, with $3 million provided jointly by Empire State Development (ESD) and the New York State Senate.
“Businesses across the country realize that Upstate New York provides a hard-working, well-educated workforce and an excellent quality of life,” said Governor Paterson. “For almost 200 years, people in the Mohawk Valley have proudly worked for Remington Arms. The revitalization of Upstate New York is only made stronger when companies that have come to symbolize a region reinforce that time-honored commitment.”
Tommy Millner, Remington President and CEO, said: “For nearly two centuries, Remington has been an integral part of the history and financial well-being of the Village of Ilion, Herkimer County and the State of New York. Thanks to the efforts of Governor Paterson, Empire State Development Upstate Chairman Dan Gundersen, Senator Jim Seward and Herkimer County Administrator Jim Wallace, the future for Remington, the Mohawk Valley, our current employees, and tomorrow’s generation of gun manufacturing has never looked better. All of us at Remington could not be more pleased by the support we have received in this endeavor from all those involved as we strive to make the Ilion plant a bright star in the future of our great company.”
ESD will provide a $1.5 million JOBS Now capital grant to assist in the relocation and consolidation of the Harrington & Richardson Firearms’ (H&R) manufacturing facility, which is currently located in Gardner, Massachusetts. Both Remington and H&R were acquired by the private equity firm Cerberus in the past year. The County of Herkimer may also apply for a $734,000 Small Cities grant on behalf of Remington Arms to be applied to costs associated with this project.
Additionally, the New York State Senate will provide a $1.5 million grant to be used by Remington Arms for capital costs associated with the renovations and new equipment purchase.
Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said: “We are pleased that under the leadership of Senator Seward the Senate was able to invest $1.5 million in Remington Arms to continue our aggressive efforts to create new jobs and protect the good jobs we already have in the Mohawk Valley. The ESDC match illustrates the State's commitment to working together to strengthen the Upstate economy so workers can make a decent wage and provide real financial security for their families.”
Senator Jim Seward said: “This is about jobs; keeping the good manufacturing jobs we have at a fine American company like Remington Arms and creating new job opportunities for workers in the Mohawk Valley. It's also about partnerships; the state, the county and Remington Arms, a company with a history of making fine firearms for the American sportsman and the law enforcement market. The state funding from the Senate and ESD will produce results in genuine economic growth, and it's happening right here in New York. Remington Arms has a rich history in Ilion, and now it will have a brighter future.”
Empire State Development Upstate Chairman Daniel C. Gundersen said: “I’m pleased to see that Remington Arms is still demonstrating its strong commitment to the Mohawk Valley by a pledge of jobs and a $14.3 million private investment. Businesses both outside and in New York State can look to Remington as a great example of the incredible companies that have chosen to remain here. ESD is committed to working with businesses across the State who want to invest in the immense resources available in New York.”
Deborah Van Amerongen, commissioner of the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) said: “We're very pleased to work together with ESD and Remington Arms to create jobs and revitalize the local economy. Coordinating our efforts with our public and private partners helps us to use limited resources most effectively.”
Joe Gross, Remington Vice President of Firearms Manufacturing, who is based at the company’s manufacturing facility in Ilion, said: “Under the direction of Dan Gundersen, Empire State Development secured an extremely competitive tax and financial incentive package with an emphasis on creating more job opportunities for Herkimer County and creating a pro-business, pro-growth environment for Remington. Other keys to supporting and guiding us through this process were State Senator Jim Seward and Herkimer County Administrator Jim Wallace. With the dedicated efforts of Empire State Development, Senator Seward and Administrator Wallace, this exceptional package, which was compiled in an extremely short timeframe, provides our Ilion facility the opportunity for employment growth and capital improvements. We appreciate the support of everyone involved.”
Remington Arms designs, produces and sells sporting goods products for the hunting and shooting sports markets, as well as for military, government and law enforcement. Remington is the only U.S. manufacturer of both firearms and ammunition products and is one of the largest domestic producers of shotguns and rifles. It distributes its products throughout the United States and in over 55 foreign countries. Founded as E. Remington and Sons by Eliphalet Remington in Ilion in 1816, Remington Arms is the oldest company in the United States which still makes its original product. The one million-square-foot Ilion factory currently has more than 850 employees.
A critical component of the 2008-2009 Enacted Budget is the $700 million Upstate Revitalization Fund, which is comprised of several components. Each is targeted to a specific initiative that is essential to promoting economic expansion and helping make the region more attractive to growing businesses and attracting talented employees by making key investments in business development, housing, transportation and parks.
