Remington Arms Co. announced plans to close its Gardner, MA, plant by the end of the year. About 200 employees will be impacted by the closure.



“While it was a difficult decision to close Gardner, we believe that this consolidation will enhance our ability to more efficiently provide quality products at competitive prices in an increasingly demanding global marketplace.” said Tommy Millner, Remington's Chief Executive Officer. “We are always looking for ways to strengthen and optimize our business in order to stay competitive, while also creating additional opportunities for our employees and better products for customers. Our number one goal is to provide our customers and end-users with the best, most innovative products at a competitive price. Consolidation of manufacturing capabilities and migration to common operating systems are expected to create efficiencies that will achieve this goal.”


Throughout the remainder of 2008, the integration of Gardner's operations is expected to result in centralized sales and marketing, streamlined operations, standardized information technology infrastructure, and common financial functionality while vigorously maintaining and promoting individual brand identity and products.


According to Remington, some employees will move to other positions in the company. For those not transferred, the company will offer severance, outplacement and referral services.

 

The plant was the original  home of H&R 1871, Inc.,a manufacturer of single-shot rifles. Remington purchased Marlin Firearms Co. Inc. of North Haven, Conn., which owned H&R late last year.

 

In 2007, Remington reported a net loss of $1.5 million and consolidated net sales of $489 million.