Huntsville: a town synonymous with rockets and technology. As of Feb. 17’s Remington press conference, the Huntsville area will soon be synonymous with a more traditional piece of technological advancement: guns.
According to the Huntsville Times, Remington Outdoor Company, America’s oldest gun manufacturer, announced plans to refurbish the presently empty Chrysler Plant, into Remington’s newest gun factory.
“With the acquisition of this facility, we plan to create more than 2,000 jobs in Huntsville over the next decade. This additional capacity is essential to fulfill demand and introduce new products,” said Remington CEO George Kolltides on February 17th.
This increase in jobs is exciting many Huntsville area residents. “I’m happy because it will be a needed shot in the arm for the economy,” said Chris Lycans, Bob Jones senior.
However, the decision for Remington to move to Huntsville has not come without a debate. While Remington declines not choosing a second New York location for political reasons, the company has publicly disagreed with the state’s Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act that restricts the sale and production of guns within the state.
“This is really an expansion project for us and Huntsville provided us the best opportunities for expansion. We’re not taking jobs out of New York,” Kolltides said to the Huntsville Times during the press conference on the 17th.
As a historically pro gun state, many Alabama lawmakers are lauding the company’s choice to move to Alabama. “We are a state that is strongly supportive of the second amendment and the right to bear arms,” said Greg Canfield, Alabama Commerce Secretary during the 17th’s press conference.
The response of the announcement has been mainly positive from Bob Jones students despite political background.
“I was definitely encouraged, because that is thousands of jobs coming to our area. In addition, we have a fairly conservative district that are strong proponents of gun rights and Remington’s [announcement] obviously reflected those interests,” said senior Mughda Mokashi.
Still, some students believe that Remington’s arrival will continue Alabama’s stereotype of a gun obsessed state. “I think that it is a great economic decision for the city of Huntsville, but it naturally perpetuates gun culture, especially Alabama stereotypes. Is it negative? No, not really, but does it perpetuate gun culture, good or bad? Absolutely,” said senior Alexis Gurganious.
Regardless of political externalities of the gun factory’s arrival, Huntsville gun shops are already experiencing an increase in Remington sales. Will this move prove to be an honest economic gesture or is this Alabama’s rebuttal to the question of gun control?
