http://leverguns.sixgunner.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14190
For those who have are in any way appreciative of the past, this is indeed a sad announcement.
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From Browning:
DATE: January 17, 2006
TO: FNH USA Distributors
FROM: Louis Dillais /Rick DeMilt
SUBJECT: Closing of USRAC Manufacturing Facility
Dear FNH USA Distributor,
While the HERSTAL GROUP has made the decision to close the USRAC manufacturing facility in New Haven, CT (please refer to the attached Browning press release), FNH USA is pleased to confirm we hold sufficient inventory of USRAC-made FN products and spare parts to meet your Customers’ requirements.
All WARRANTIES AND REPAIRS of FN products will continue to be serviced by FN / Browning distribution center located at Arnold MO.
FNH USA, with the support of FN Herstal, is investing into new and exciting products that will continue the legacy of FN firearms expertise. Many of these new and exciting products are currently under development and manufacturing at FN MANUFACTURING (FNM) in Columbia, South Carolina and are scheduled to be delivered this year.
FN MANUFACTURING is an ISO 9001state of the art facility with R&D, manufacturing, testing and repair/maintenance capabilities which, over the last
30 years, has produced most of the US Military small arms, such as the M16
A2, A3, A4 rifles as well as the M249 and M240 light/medium machinegun families. FNM also manufactures our FNP line of handguns and the FN 303 less lethal
launcher.
As we move forward, you can be assured of a continuing supply of FN products that are representative of the latest manufacturing technology and advanced firearms design.
REAL WORLD PRODUCTS FOR REAL WORLD OPERATORS.
Best regards,
Louis Dillais
President & CEO
Rick DeMilt
Director of Sales & Marketing
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From USRAC:
Contact: Scott Grange
For Immediate Release
(801) 876-2711, ext. 306
Paul Thompson
(801) 876-2711, ext. 229
U.S. Repeating Arms Company To Close
New Haven, CT Facility
U.S. Repeating Arms Company, maker of Winchester brand rifles and shotguns will close its New Haven, Connecticut manufacturing facility. Many efforts were made to improve profitability at the manufacturing facility in New Haven, and the decision was made after exhausting all available options.
Effective March 31, 2006 the New Haven manufacturing facility will stop manufacturing the Winchester Model 70, Model 94 and Model 1300.
Winchester Firearms will continue to sell and grow its current line of Select Over & Under shotguns, the new Super X3 autoloading shotgun, the new Super X autoloading rifle and Limited Edition rifles. The company also plans to introduce new models in the future. There will be no change in Customer Service.
This action is a realignment of resources to make Winchester Firearms a stronger, more viable organization. Winchester Firearms plans to continue the great Winchester legacy and is very excited about the future.