The approximately 300 full-time workers furloughed from their jobs at the Remington Arms plant in Ilion are expected to return to work within a month after certain suppliers, shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, can provide raw materials again.

Still, news of the furloughs along with a Wall Street Journal report that the company is preparing to file for bankruptcy for the second time in two years and could be sold to the Navajo Nation has local officials concerned for Remington, Herkimer Countys largest employer. Theyre willing to help if they can.

With the North Carolina-based company in bankruptcy proceedings, however, there isnt a lot that can be done right now, said Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Executive Director John Piseck.

"They havent had any discussions with us," he said. He pointed out that the company partial ownership through a hedge fund also makes it more difficult to get involved.

Local officials "maybe" could work out a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement "if the owners reached out," Piseck said. The IDA offers such tax breaks to assist businesses particularly those that are just starting up or seek to expand.

"Id hate to see (Remington) close," Piseck said, adding he would not want to see the area lose manufacturing jobs. "Weve got a governor whos against firearms even though there are several major gun manufacturers in New York state."

A request for comment to Remington was not immediately returned before press time.

Village limited

Ilion Mayor Brian Lamica said he found out about the furloughs at Remington the same way as everybody else: Through media reports.

And while the IDA could potentially help, Lamica said the Village of Ilion "is not financially able to do anything," but added he would be willing to reach out to the areas state and federal representatives on the companys behalf.

Remington has received such assistance in the past.

This includes a 2008 financial package that included a $1.5 million state grant and $1.5 million from the Empire State Development Corporation to bring jobs to Ilion and help fund upgrades. In 2011, the New York Power Authority approved the allocation of 3,250 kilowatts to Ilion to provide low-cost municipal power to Remington a move then-Mayor John Stephens said would result in a substantial savings for the company.

"If needed, we could offer them a place to have meetings or for people to sign up for benefits," Lamica said.

Lamica said Remingtons struggles are felt at the local level.

"Every time theres a furlough, that takes away 300, 400 or 500 people who would be buying lunch or getting gas while theyre in the village," he said. "That hurts our local economy."

With news headlines about various shootings, Lamica said, he has heard that banks are not quick to lend to firearms manufacturers.

"In a way, thats attacking our Second Amendment rights," he said. "Nobody forces anybody to buy a gun. People who use them in an improper fashion are not the type of people we want to have guns. What we need to do is enforce the laws that are on the books, not create new laws."

Originally posted here:

Herkimer County officials want to help Remington if they can - The Times Telegram