Union Chairman: Multiple states made offers to Remington Arms

Could firearms maker Remington Arms leave New York State? That's the question some Central New Yorkers are asking after multiple states have made offers to Remington.

We've heard threats in the past that Remington could leave Ilion, but this time it's in response to the recent gun law passed in our state.

Residents say Remington Arms is in their DNA. Employing over a thousand people, the firearms manufacturing company is known as the oldest gun maker in the nation.

But, with the new gun laws passed in our state, some Central New Yorkers say the state is pushing Remington out. The controversial Bushmaster is one of the rifles Remington Arms makes. Now, it's banned in the state.  Arizona, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Texas have made offers to lure Remington Arms to those states.

The most recent offer is from a South Carolina Congressman. In the letter addressed to the CEO, Congressman Jeff Duncan said:

"In South Carolina we believe in the right to keep and bear arms... Our state welcomes any individual or business who believes the same."

Congressman Richard Hanna says it will be an uphill battle to "dislodge" Remington from New York.

"They are building, they are manufacturing. Why would you move if the demand for your product is so great and you can meet that demand with the assets that you have. It would interrupt that to leave," said Hanna, (R)- 22^ND District.

The congressman says he doesn't think the new laws will change the dynamics of Remington's business model.

"I think it's important New York steps up to the plate and say these are legally produced and legally distributed world class products. We want you here, we want you to stay here and grow," said Hanna.

Eyewitness News contacted Remington Arms for a comment, but no calls have been returned.

The congressman also tells Eyewitness News Remington may be a bidder to the M-4 assault rifles, a new generation of weapons for the U.S. Army that could potentially bring in millions of dollars.