Remington maker to close its New York gun factory

Details: In a letter sent to union officials this past week, the company said operations will conclude "on or about March 4, 2024" in its Illion, N.Y., facility, per the Observer-Dispatch.

• The company said it "did not arrive at this decision lightly," per the letter.
• The layoffs are likely to occur between March 4 and 18, according to the Observer-Dispatch.

What they're saying: Cecil E. Roberts, international president of the United Mine Workers of America, said the closure was "extremely disappointing," per a statement.

• "The workers in Ilion enabled RemArms to rise from the ashes of the Remington Arms bankruptcy in 2020-[20]21. Without these workers and their dedication to producing the best firearms in the world, this company simply would not exist," Roberts said.
• The union urged RemArms to "reconsider this decision" and "explore alternative solutions" to keep the Illion plant operating.

Zoom out: Last year, the company agreed to a $73 million settlement of liability claims from nine families of Sandy Hook shooting victims.

• That marked the first time a U.S. gun manufacturer was held responsible for a mass shooting, per ABC News.

In an auto-reply message to Axios' request for comment, the press team said "RemArms is excited to expand our facilities in Georgia, a state that not only welcomes business but enthusiastically supports and welcomes companies in the firearms industry."

Go deeper: Gunmaker Remington to pay $73M to settle lawsuit with Sandy Hook families