(Above: Gov. Bentley announces Remington is coming to Alabama, Remington CEO George Kollitides says the state’s motto played a role in getting them to come.)
HUNTSVILLE — Dozens of lawmakers, economic development advocates, and members of the press packed into the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce Monday afternoon to welcome the nation’s oldest firearms manufacturer, Remington Outdoor Company, to Alabama.
“I am honored to welcome Remington to Alabama,” Gov. Robert Bentley said. “The Alabama workforce, our business climate and our quality of life continue to make Alabama extremely attractive to companies. Remington will soon experience the same type of success that other companies in Alabama have already experienced. Today’s announcement will create more than 2,000 jobs in Huntsville, and reflects a statewide capital investment of $110 million. Our relationship with Remington is just beginning, and I look forward to a continued partnership with the company.”
.@GovernorBentley presents Great Seal of Ala. to #Remington CEO. "Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama!" pic.twitter.com/cycaM4CHTH
— Yellowhammer (@YHPolitics) February 17, 2014
Monday’s event was the culmination of almost a year’s worth of work.
In the spring of 2013, Remington began looking at locations all over the country that could be potential sites for their massive planned expansion. A couple dozen states pursued the company. Nine sites in Alabama alone were presented as possible locations. But Remington’s CEO said the company decided very quickly that Huntsville, Ala. was the ideal location for their new facility.
For the next 6-8 months, Remington and Alabama officials engaged in a long series of discussions that were so secretive that most people actively involved in the project didn’t even know the name of the company they were pursuing; they only new the project’s code name — “Traveler.”
"Project Traveler" was the Alabama economic development team's code name for the #Remington project. Started 8 months ago. #alpolitics
— Yellowhammer (@YHPolitics) February 17, 2014
Commerce Sec. @gregcanfield says Huntsville, Ala. beat out sites in 24 other states to land #Remington. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/dOPNpIVIYu
— Yellowhammer (@YHPolitics) February 17, 2014
Gov. Bentley says Gov. Perry called, said he wished #Remington had chosen TX, but congratulated Ala. for the big win pic.twitter.com/s7AXFR6oSb
— Yellowhammer (@YHPolitics) February 17, 2014
“With the acquisition of this facility, we plan to create 2,000 jobs in Huntsville over the next decade,” George Kollitides, Chairman and CEO, Remington Outdoor Company said. “This additional capacity is essential to fulfill demand and introduce new products. Having watched our Company grow from 2,400 employees in 2008 to 4,200 employees by the end of 2013, a five year, 75 percent increase, it is easy to see why we’re investing now.”
Remington had a record breaking year in 2013, expanding its ammunition facility, increasing its firearm capacity, winning numerous military and law enforcement contracts, launching its 1816 lifestyle brand and introducing a series of new products.
“2013 was an outstanding year during which we grew by every key measure,” Kollitides said. “We are capitalizing on this momentum by strengthening our positions across the board. With demand for our products at an historic high and more new product launches planned for 2014 than ever before in our 200-year history, we are investing in the future.”
Following facility upgrades, ROC is expected to begin operations in Alabama within the next 18 months.
Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims
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