Ilion, N.Y., moving forward a year after Remington plant closes

John Burns worked at the Remington Arms plant in Ilion (Herkimer County, N.Y) for 13 years, working his way up the ranks through various maintenance and supervisory positions.
But when the legendary gun maker ran into financial troubles – including a period where Burns and the rest of the staff were laid off before eventually being called back – Burns realized he needed some stability in his life and a reliable job.
“I saw the writing on the wall,” said Burns.
Ever since Eliphalet Remington II moved his 12-year-old gun-making business to a 200-acre site along the Erie Canal in 1828, the presence of one of the most iconic names in firearms in Ilion for nearly two centuries gave the village of 7,600 people a unique distinction.