Remington Returns: The Revival Of An Ammunition Giant
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- Remington Ammunition filed for bankruptcy in July 2020, amid one of the hottest markets for ammunition makers in recent memory. The bankruptcy filing presaged the ultimate collapse of Remington Outdoor in September of that same year, and the assets of that conglomerate were auctioned off to the highest bidders. Ultimately, Vista Outdoor, owner of Federal Ammunition, CCI and Speer, purchased the assets of Remington Ammunition and got to work returning the plant to its former glory. Watch the American Rifleman Television segment above to learn about Remington's redemption.
"This is one of the largest ammunition manufacturing plants in the world. It's Remington Ammunition in Lonoke, Ark.," said Mark Keefe, NRA Publications editorial director. "It was set up in 1969 by DuPont, who owned Remington at the time. They do it all here. Cases, bullets, centerfire rifle, centerfire pistol, rimfire and shotshell. This is really one of the great manufacturing successes in the United States. Up until 2020. Bad leadership [and] bad financial decisions resulted in the employees here getting a notice saying, 'Company's bankrupt, we're going to be sold, we don't know if you're going to have a job.' At that point, Vista Outdoor stepped in and bought this plant. They're ammo people. That's all they do. And this is the story of Remington reloaded."
The Remington Ammunition plant was constructed in 1969, and over the course of several years, machinery, materials and manpower shifted from the company's original facility in Bridgeport, Conn., to the new building in Lonoke, Ark. DuPont, the owners of Remington Ammunition during the shift to Arkansas, sold the company to an investment group, RACI Acquisitions, and changes came to the facility. In 2007, the company was purchased by Cerberus Capital Management, and in 2010, it became part of the Freedom Group of companies. After a 2018 bankruptcy filing, the company continued to struggle, and the collapse of Remington Outdoor Company in 2020 provided an opportunity for its acquisition by Vista.
"We bought Remington because it is literally once in a generation that you might have this opportunity to buy such an iconic brand," said Jason Vanderbrink, president of ammunition, Vista Outdoor. "I mean, [a] 205-year-old American manufacturing ammunition business, that is so complementary to Federal, CCI and Speer. We viewed this acquisition as a must-have acquisition."
Once Vista Outdoor took over management of Remington Ammunition, it began by bringing back furloughed workers. Supply shortages eased with Vista's supply network, and manufacturing lines roared to life once again.
"For the first time, it feels like we work for people, from our direct management all the way to the top, that understand ammunition, that want to make ammunition and want to make good ammunition," said Jimmy Lawrence, ballistics engineer, Remington Ammunition. "Ultimately, any business is in the industry to make money, but that should be, in my opinion, second to product safety, product innovation and product quality. I believe we're now in the hands of a company that genuinely believes ammo should be good ammo or it shouldn't be on the shelf."
Over the first 18 months of Vista's ownership of Remington Ammunition, the facility added more than 1,500 new employees. The ammunition giant announced that, at that time, it had increased centerfire-handgun ammunition production more than 40 percent, while shotshell production increased 15 percent. Additionally, the company added "millions" of new primers to the market.
"We know what the capacity is, we know where we're at today. Every day gets better, so every day, we make more ammunition than the previous day," Vanderbrink said. "But when we first turned the lights on, there wasn't much ammo being made. When the shift was over and the lights went off, it was sad to see. I can tell you that Big Green is roaring. The workforce is behind us, they're behind us 100 percent. The state's behind us. The Vista umbrella, right now, is really excited for things to come out of Lonoke, Ark."
To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.
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Thank You for making/posting this! I am glad and thankful that Remington has done this comeback!
So happy to hear big green is back up and running strong. Remington ammo is all I shoot ( the best in my opinion) . I hunt with a Winchester 94 but have always shot Remington ammo . It’s been very hard to get the last few years looking forward to restocking the cabinet. And thank you for putting all your former employees back to work. They know that they make quality and take pride in that . I wish you all the success that comes when you put people as the main priority.
I tell people if you can only afford two rifles, get a 5.56 for personal defense and a 30-30 for everything else. I know there are other rifles but a 30-30 is just so dependable and accurate.
So good to see Manufacturing companies coming back to life and workers being hired again. Especially in this sector.
I worked there a few years ago as a part-timer on the security staff. I really enjoyed my time there. People were really nice and as a gun person, It was fascinating to see how ammo was created on a mass scale.
Thanks Vista, Remington has been my practice and carry ammo supplier for the last 23 years. Golden sabre bonded is my carry ammo choice in .357 sig for 19 years and I feel very comfortable that it will continue to keep me and the public safe for years to come!
I bleed green. Always have and always will. I have too many Remington firearms to mention and all are sighted-in with and devour only that which comes from a green and yellow box. I have been to that plant several times and have to say that it is one of the most impressive facilities I have seen. However, it was the people that worked there that impressed me most. So happy to see they are back on track and have the support to do what they know and love.
I've been using "Green Box" 30-06 ammo since the late 70s. It's always been accurate & consistent. Deadly on deer too. Instant lights-out most of the time. I've never had a core-lokt bullet fail to expand or break into pieces. Premium performance at a budget price.
Remington your the best, it’s good to see you all back in action what all Americans love 🇱🇷
I also was brought up with remington from the fifties. It is like a gold standard, foundation to the ammo industry. I have used it in my match rifle right off the shelf and was entirely impressed with performance. Keep America strong, buy local.
Same here....22 shorts for my single shot squirrel rifle, it was about 50cents a box back then. I used 40gr standard velocity in my model 582 when I had it...very reliable performance back then.
I have ran countless 525 bulk packs, glad to see they will be making more!
This very new. Thanks Vista and Remington. I have shot Remington for years my grandfather used Remington in his model 12 when I was a kid. Great product and look like great people wanting this product to be great for years to come.
Thanks for sharing. I've been wondering about them. I've always liked Remington ammo.
Great video. Glad to hear of the come back of quality within Remington.
For years and years, the primary ammo brand I typically purchased for rifle and handgun. So glad to see it coming back.
I'm so glad that Remington has survived. The name "Remington" has been long associated with genuine workmanship in regards to Ammunition Manufacturing. ❤
Good to see Remington getting back in its feet.
I’ve had a bad experience with Remington Ammo recently and it’ll be a while before I have the trust to buy more. Having said that, being in Australia, I don’t know if my ammo was pre or post bankruptcy stock.
My issue was with 180gr 300 win mag ammo. I had cases split open at the neck in 11 out of the 20 rounds.
Never been a Remington man but I will start to spend my money with this team of Americans
Glad to see ammo coming back ,glad to see and old manufacturer still putting out products
Thank you Jason Vanderbrink, your company has kept American made alive. Excited to see! I wish we could see other companies keep their products made here. Perfect timing as I need to restock!
This guy was to busy worrying about Government Contracts to worry about the average American. Wake up.
Restock and pay 4 times what the ammo is worth...yeah
fantastic!! i always liked the Remington Thunderbolt 22 caliber ammo. never had one problem in any of my rimfire weapons. then couldn't find it. learned of bankruptcy, dang. Welcome Back! looking forward to the green boxes!!
Glad to know that the Remington facility in Arkansas is producing product and enjoying success. Used to travel past it on trips between TX and TN as a child and I’d always look for and catch a glimpse of the place. 👍
Yepper me as well
Same, I have passed by that plant too many times to count. Great news.
So Glad There Rolling AGAIN !!! PRIMERS, BRASS AND JUST EVERYTHING BACK !!! SO HAPPY 😊
After years of inability to find anything but cheap junk Aguila 22 rimfire (which isn’t loaded strong enough to cycle any of my semi-autos), I was thrilled when Remington 22 rimfire, my favorite brand,reappeared. I have bought 12 boxes of 525 rounds each so far, and am shooting it every single week. Not a single misfire so far, excellent accuracy, burns clean, and cycles the action perfectly. I am SO glad they are back.
Now…what about primers!?
Glad Remington ammo is back. Have been a fan for almost 60 years. The golden bullet!
Outstanding!
The reason prices are high is not a shortage of ammo, it is the huge demand for ammo. Everybody is hoarding. This is great news for the ammo producers. I worked in a sporting goods store 35 years ago. The ammo producers advertised an ammo shortage and within weeks we had an ammo shortage in the store. Every time someone talked about gun laws, and we had a shortage of ammo in the store. I work in a sporting goods store now. I am seeing the same thing. Times change, but people do not. :)
I remember getting a box of Remington shot gun shells a few years ago and 2 of the casings were not closed on the business end. That was when price gouging was happening. Growing up that's all we had was green boxes of ammo. Happy to see Remington coming back. I'm also glad to see American made mean something. Good job guys!!!
Remington Golden Bullets are my goto. America Needs Remington. I need Remington. My request in 10mm FMJ ball ammo for my 1911. The flat nose of TMJ does not cycle in a 1911 type gun. FYI the 1911 was designed around a ROUND bullet for reliable feeding. ALSO Everyone knows there are not enough primers being made. That machine should be running 24/7. Man it with Double Overtime workers if need be.
Thank God your coming back strong
Best Wishes! Ps. get that HTP 110gr .357 mag out there, hard to get right now. lol. I wish you much success.
Love the HTP in 9mm
They need to get price lower on 357 mag ammo
Start making some 30.40 again so I can feed my Krag!
I just got 2 boxes of the .357 Mag 125gr SJHP HTP’s last week online. A little expensive with shipping yes, but they’re not for plinking, they are now in my S&W Mod 66 Combat Magnum that is my go to for home defense. Money well spent for the ultimate man-stopper from my favorite gun & ammo manufacturer. Welcome back Big Green, we missed you! 👍
Yes yes yes oh, I'm glad the Big Green is back, I've had a Remington all my life, I'm 67. One thing I learned as a kid, you use Remington ammo in Remington Guns. Never had a problem. I guess I'll have one until I lay this body down.
Thank you for the informative update on Remington ammunition company. Did not realize they had such a long history in the business. Finally we might get some ammo on the shelves again. There's a great demand out the market for quality ammo.
Can't wait to see primers and percussion caps again
Remington Golden Bullet 22 LR is the best 22 of all. I hope they return.
I know as a firearm enthusiast we all try to find the best deals in ammo. I prefer Federal for 9mm, 45 acp which are the main pistol calibers I shoot. I actually found a good deal in Remington 9mm 100rd pack for about $35. Good ammo, consistent, and affordable. I will now only buy American manufactured ammo like Remington.
My Marlin 512 (12ga slug) really loved core lokt. I wouldn't think twice about shooting out to 200 yards with those. Hope they bring them back!
This what is needed at Hornady.
They just seem hopeless at supplying projectiles & other reloading components that have been around for decades.
I hope Remington come back to full strength like they where decades ago!
I have been waiting for over 12 months just to get .17 caliber 25grain projectiles,Hornady just keeps putting it off for another couple of months.
This was worthwhile to watch. Great story.
I can remember my family changed brand of shotgun shells ( many decades ago ) to Remington because the shells were plastic , the other brands were hard paper shells and they would swell up if they got wet and not fit into the chamber or would stick in the chamber after being loaded a while.
FYI, the largest share holder of Vista Outdoors is Blackrock financial.
Blackrock could close up ammo plants. They're aren't in this for the money. They're in this for control.
Awesome!
I'm glad they're back and under proper leadership, I may have to give them a try again. I quit buying Remington ammo in the 1990s. The last Remington ammo I bought was a box of .308 cartridges. Every bullet was set to a different depth in the case. The case mouth completely covered the cannelure on some cartridges while the cannelure was completely exposed on others and on some the mouth was crimped somewhere in it. The quality control was abysmal and I didn't feel safe shooting their ammo.
Glad Remington is still alive and kicking. I have a few of their weapons, and use their ammo.
love it!
I used to deliver lead to this very plant. Huge complex!
Thats awesome I’m glad Remington is back and down south where the laws aren’t as bad we’re still somewhat free here !!!!😎👍
I genuinely hope they can turn it around. Competition/innovation is good for all of us.
Great to see an iconic American ammo brand, back on it's feet! Now if they would just invest in their rimfire production machines to improve the quality if the rimfire ammo, I would be a Remington customer again. But until they do, I'll stick with CCI or Aguila for rimfire.
This explains so much my favorite shot shells are the Remington nitro gold and I have not found a box sense COVID
Way to go Big Green! Excellent story, and excellent news!
Good For Y'all!!!! Here's To Your Bright Future!!
Really hope this means ammo prices will eventually go back down
Hopefully this will make some Remington ammo more available.
God.. Bless.. America.. Not Much More You Can Say.🏁
Still want to know why they went under. Model 700 was probably one of the most common hunting rifles, an array of shotguns, they had the best patterning 12g turkey loads, ammo for every cartridge, core lokt is one of the most famous ammo types, UMC was a huge bulk ammo seller, rem oil was a household name like jello or Kleenex. Gear unlimited etc etc. The owners were swimming in money.
My favorite round for 300 winmag corelokt 180 gr
There is a reason why they are located where there are as well. Arkansas is a very well protected area.
Good luck Big Green! More jobs, quality ammunition and affordable ammunition!
Thanks for this video. I will buy Remington ammunition in the future.
As an Arkansasan I have always stayed away from Remington ammo if I had a choice. After the quality controls issues with their center-fire pistol ammo I am still not sold.
Primers! Start pumping out the primers Remington!
Thank you 🙏🏻
Start producing primers for the reloading market.
This is great news! I’ll pick up some Remington ammo next time to the gun shop!
Good news. I enjoyed buying what was labeled Remingtonj.
Including outdoor attire at the mall big box chain stores. I'll
be looking for iconic yellow 20 gauge slug cartridges. For
my temperate rainforest danger close defense issues.
I think its great that Remington is on the mend but how soon will we see 35 caliber ammo back on the shelves like it once was? It is very hard to find now.
I still have an old box of Remington 12 ga shells with paper cases.
I hope they will start loading the 55 grain corelokt bullets in the 22-250 again and the .17 hm2
Remington needs to look for partnerships in the small boutique gunmakers all over the US, license some of the really innovative designs. Become an “Up-Market” Ruger”
Never was a fan of Remington ammo. Their projectiles are decent, but I have had nothing but trouble with the brass cases & primers over the decades. While shooting competition, most guys in my circle avoided Remington ammo too. 🤠
Thank God there back 😊
Good for another American manufacturer and more ammo for everyone.
Great ammo, prices are way up! Took about a year to get 7mm-08 Corer-Lok. Was $26.00 4 years ago, now about $47.00. Do the % incrrease numbers. Too many options, stick to a few good basic shells.
It is nice to see more capacity come online. The Remington ammo quality never slipped (I am not aware of any issues). What is happening with Remington arms? The gun business was really messing up and put some embarrassing products that failed out in the market.
My mom had that R51 9mm pistol, biggest piece of junk I ever shot. I briefly had a Remlin 1895 that quickly lost its luster once I got a Ruger Marlin. Hopefully Remington can get the firearms back in line, I’d love to have a 700 CDL on my rack
What a great story!
LOVE REMINGTON!😎
I personally would like to thank you Remington
Watching the video and then at 8:39 a familiar name and face appears, Jared Kutney! I had the honor of serving in Iraq with him Dakota 4/5 in the Remington house.
Nice to see Remington back up and running. Also run by the RIGHT people, not a bunch of pencil pushers. Good luck and another hundred years.
Can't wait to have .35 available again. I can't find it anywhere.
I have noticed an improvement in Remington 30-06 ammunition - when I can find it.
We heard the same typenof talk when GSM bought Cold Steel and they have done the exact opposite of what they promised. Let's hope this isn't more of the same.
For the love of god, start pumping out 300 WSM! please. The stuff is impossible to find.
About time!!!
Where are the 20 ga Accutip sabot slug shot-shells ? They seem to make five boxes a yr and call it done. It is by far , the best deer slug , flat shooting round on earth for shotgun.
🇺🇸👍👏
get it going folks
I hope, Remington ammo comes back to Europe as well soon....
Please remake 35 remington. Run a few cases and see how well they sell. I have 2 guns that need them.
Good now can we get .410 back on shelves. How about large and small primers?
I will continue to buy Remington till I die!
There's a lot of demand for ammo especially 410 birdshot also 3030 and many other caliber's
I hope they make more affordable shotgun ammo. Prices are sky high at the monent
A very inspirational video! God Bless America, and the wisdom to have the 2nd Amendment!
i hope in the revival of the ammo division of Remington that they clean up their burn rate on their ammo. I will try them one more time but have refused to use any ammo made by them as the gun gets dirty way to quick.
Will be good to see some green 3” 12 ga shells on the shelves.
Great American Company. Now bring back Remington Arms in Ilion New York
Sad thing is most Remington ammo is garage theses days there either gonna get stuck loading or there gonna be so dirty your gun is gonna jam til you have to break it down an clean it before your done shooting...
What is the quality or improvements in Remington ammunition now in 2023? I always used Remington as they burned clean unlikely to hang relative to other ammunition. but that was 15 years ago or so. Is it better, improved?
They should do 155mm shells. those are red hot in demand now lol