Gun-maker Remington is to relocate its global headquarters from New York to LaGrange, Georgia, where it plans to open a “new advanced manufacturing operation” and “world-class research and development center,” the company announced on Monday.
In a statement, the company, which is the United States’ oldest firearms manufacturer, said it plans to invest $100 million in the operation and hire 856 people over a five-year period in Troup County.
Remington said that several of its strategic products will be manufactured in Georgia, although it is not immediately clear which weapons will be manufactured in the state.
“Georgia’s firearms industry is responsible for thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of investment in our communities,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “I am a proud owner of some of Remington’s first-class product, and now, I am excited to welcome them to their new home in the Peach State. As yet another big manufacturing win for our state, I look forward to seeing the oldest firearms manufacturer in America thrive in Georgia’s pro-business environment.”
Founded in 1816, Remington Arms is one of the largest domestic producers of shotguns and rifles in the world. The company said it will be hiring for multiple positions across production, operations, engineering, and management in the future.
The company did not provide details as to how or if the transfer would impact its operations in New York and Tennessee, where it also has production facilities.
Roundhill Group, LLC, an investment company with headquarters in Pennsylvania and Florida, announced it was purchasing the Remington-branded gun-making business for $13 million in October 2020.
The legislation also makes it easier to bring civil lawsuits against gun manufacturers where “reasonable controls and procedures are not in place.”
Remington’s decision to relocate its headquarters does not appear to be related to the recently-enacted legislation.
The American manufacturer of firearms, ammunition, and restraints, founded in 1852, currently has corporate headquarters in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Smith & Wesson is investing more than $125 million to relocate its headquarters and some operations from Springfield to Blount County in Tennessee, a move that will create 750 jobs in the area, it said.
The move was prompted after recently-proposed legislation in Massachusetts would have left the company unable to manufacture certain firearms that are illegal to use in the state, the company said.
Smith & Wesson said that the legislation, if approved, would affect up to 60 percent of its revenue compared to 2020.