Remington Moving Bushmaster and R1 Jobs From Ilion to Huntsville

Officials at Remington Arms confirmed today that the Bushmaster and R1 Automatic hand gun manufacturing lines will be moving from Ilion to the new Huntsville, Alabama plant, according to media reports.

The move is expected to cost about 80 or more local jobs, although that hasn't yet been confirmed by Remington.  Media reports say it could cost as many as 200 Herkimer County jobs.  Company officials say they're working to keep as many of these production jobs in Ilion as possible.

Congressman Richard Hanna blames New York's Safe Act.

“Losing production lines at Remington is a direct result of the terribly flawed SAFE Act. Let me be clear: because the state banned these products this falls directly at the feet of the Governor and the Legislature. It is a highly flawed legislative process that allows for the most prescriptive law in the nation to be rushed through with only token resistance," Hanna said in a statement.

"This is a loss of real, good-paying jobs in our community and it is a travesty," he added.

Senator Jim Seward (R/C/I) also blamed New York's Safe Act.

"A concerted effort is needed in Albany to show Remington unified support - and that includes a revision of the state’s excessive anti-gun laws - otherwise I am afraid additional jobs, and families, will be forced to move south," he said.

The 1000 plus remaining jobs at the Ilion plant will not be affected.

Seward said he plans to continue moving forward to help Remington expand in Ilion.

"Moving forward, I stand ready to assist Remington in meeting their needs in the Mohawk

Valley, and that includes securing state support to help with facility upgrades at the company’s birthplace," said Seward.

Congressman Hanna agreed that the focus needs to be on Remington's future in Ilion.

“I will continue working with Remington’s employees and management to secure a lasting future for the Arms in the Mohawk Valley.”