HUNTSVILLE – Governor Robert Bentley this afternoon announced that Remington Arms Company is indeed headed to the Deep South. The announcement at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce was predicted by the media for the last several days.
Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield
Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield told the audience that this acquisition of a world-class company was a project that began in the spring of last year (2013). He emphasized that the initiative was fueled by Governor Bentley.
Remington Arms C.E.O. George Kollitides
Remington C.E.O. George Kollitides, in his remarks said that Remington chose Alabama after an extensive survey of 24 states who wanted the new facility. “Alabama’s rich tradition of defending freedom, and it’s tradition of gun ownership as a fundamental right was a major deciding factor in Remington’s move.”
When Remington moves into the old Chrysler plant on Wall-Triana Highway and production begins sometime in 2015, around 2-thousand workers are expected to call the place home. A Military Times report says Alabama’s reputation as a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights played a role in Remington choosing Huntsville over locations in at least 24 other states that were seeking the new manufacturing facility. Click here to read the full report.
Governor Robert Bentley welcomes Remington Arms to Huntsville
Governor Robert Bentley, with all the looks of a proud father, told the executives from Remington, “We have been and always will be a pro-business state.” Bentley emphasized Alabama’s heritage of gun ownership and freedom to the peaceful applications of gun rights from hunting to self-defense. he emphasized that this is a new type of manufacturing coming into Alabama.
Governor Robert Bentley gives George Kollitides a copy of the Seal of The State of Alabama
Congressman Mo Brooks, who was on hand for the announcement had prepared remarks about Remington’s expansion into Alabama:
“I’m delighted Remington chose the Tennessee Valley for its manufacturing facility, and I am ecstatic their investment in our community may add as many as 2,000 jobs to our workforce. Remington’s announcement could not be more timely and offers hope for those who are struggling to find good paying jobs and, in particular, for those who are losing their jobs as International Paper closes their Courtland plant.”
“Make no mistake about it, the behind-the-scenes competition for Remington’s plant was fierce and nation-wide. It is a credit to the citizens of Alabama generally, and the Tennessee Valley in particular, that Remington chose us over every other competitor in America.”
The new home of Remington Arms in Huntsville – Wall-Triana and Electronics Boulevard
Folks in New York state are not happy. A union official who represents Remington workers in New York accuses New York’s SAFE Act for the company’s decision. The law bans sale of assault rifles in New York, including the AR-15 made by Remington. “It can’t be good,” said Fran Madore, president of United Mine Workers Local 717, which represents 1,180 of the 1,300 Remington employees in Ilion, N.Y. “How can it be good?” He continued, “The SAFE Act has been a terrible thing from the beginning,” he said. “You’d think New York would be doing everything to keep us. Instead, it passes a law that cripples us.”
The law passed in New York permits gun companies to continue making assault weapons in the state, but it bans their sale. Remington has been making firearms in Ilion, N.Y., since 1816.
See our earlier story: “Is this the best-kept secret… Remington’s move to Huntsville?”
1 comment
Exactly what New York and it’s citizens deserve. When you elect a borderline communist governor, what do you expect? Most likely their will be more companies moving and taking thousands of jobs from New York, on principal alone. Good luck New York, the once upon a time “Empire State”. Try paying for your bureaucracy without the tax base of large companies.