http://www.lewismachine.net/

From Milan to Eldridge is not far, about 10 miles across the Mississippi. This has been in the works for a few years but it's now a done deal. Here's a link but you can only read one para for free:

http://www.northscottpress.com...8e-8b77ff208a2f.html

This move is similar to what Les Baer did a few years ago. He's now in LeClaire IA, across the river from his former plant in Hillsdale IL.

Gee, I can't imagine why any gun business would want to leave IL...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sigmund,

I can't believe Springfield will ever relocate.

I spoke with a salesman for 20 minutes.

they have many roots in Geneseo.
I think they are dumb for not crossing over

Good for them, and another message sent (likely to fall on deaf ears in IL)

Good for them! Makes me want a mars rifle even more.

Screw that link.

Agree though, good on them. Love my LMT.

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
I can't believe Springfield will ever relocate.

I spoke with a salesman for 20 minutes.
they have many roots in Geneseo.
I think they are dumb for not crossing over

Geneseo has Springfield Armory and Armalite, nearby Colona has Rock River Arms. I have not heard any rumors of their moving to IA or anywhere else.

A short move across the river to IA would allow them to keep the same work force.

With the business environment being what it is in Illinois, this comes as no surprise.

Thank you Chicago politicians for their continued attempts at tax and spend.

Prouder than ever to own my LMT. I can't wait until Illinois craters under its debt burden.

quote:

Originally posted by beltfed21:
With the business environment being what it is in Illinois, this comes as no surprise.

Thank you Chicago politicians for their continued attempts at tax and spend.

Personally, I'm upset. However, I understand businesses leaving this shithole. Especially GUN businesses. Springfield, Rock River, ArmaLite, DS Arms... I wouldn't be surprised if eventually they all go across the river, over to Indiana or Wisconsin.

Good on them.

IL will lose the businesses, but it's unlikely many workers will move to IA. There are five bridges over the Mississippi in the Quad Cities area, lots of people work in one state but live in the other. I did until I retired a few months ago.

IL and IA have an agreement that you pay income taxes for the state were you LIVE, not where you work.

Welcome to Iowa. LMT, Springfield, Rock River, DS Arms, Armalite and any others are welcome in Iowa.

This link has a 2:00 video with many scenes from inside the current plant in IL:

http://wqad.com/2017/04/28/mil...es-for-move-to-iowa/

Milan-based weapons manufacturer prepares for move to Iowa

POSTED 4:35 PM, APRIL 28, 2017, BY MEGAN NOE, UPDATED AT 04:51PM, APRIL 28, 2017

MILAN, Illinois -- A Milan company that makes weapons for soldiers and law enforcement officers is preparing to move across the river.

Lewis Machine and Tool Company plans to build a new, $6 million plant in Eldridge, Iowa. The building will be located in the city's industrial park off Highway 61.

"We need a bigger space," said company president Karl Lewis.

The company has certainly grown from the one-man operation that Lewis started back in 1980.

"In 1980, there was one. Now, there's approximately 170 people," said Lewis.

Today, workers staff the facility 24/7, making products like rifles and grenade launchers. Lewis said the company is currently finishing up a large contract for the New Zealand government, supplying all of the weapons for the country's navy, army, and air force.

The new location will allow for more growth, and also include a 100-meter shooting range on site.

"Each of our products is test-fired for accuracy and reliability. Right now, we have several different ranges that we go to," said Lewis. "At our new location, we'll be able to do our testing and validation all under one roof."

Lewis said the company looked at locations on both sides of the river, but in the end, Eldridge was the right fit.

"There were a lot of enticements from different states to move to different states with, quite frankly, nicer climates, no snow to shovel, so that was attractive. But in the end, our business is really about the people that we have here," said Lewis.

Last week, the Eldridge City Council agreed to reduce property taxes the company would pay for 10 years.

Construction is expected to start later this year.

At least they did not sell-out like Rock River and Springfield Arms.

And good for them for it. Now if Armalite would only follow suit. At this point I'd love an Iowa Armalite.

Was glad to see LMT at the NRA show yesterday. I did thank them for being there and congratulated them on their move out of IL.

I am a huge fan of LMT products. If I can't buy it from Colt I get it from LMT.

Hope they flourish in their new location.

RRA and Springfield should have done what LMT is doing.

This report has similar info, and the 2:45 video shows the IL plant with nice shots (get it?) of LMT products.

http://www.kwqc.com/content/ne...idge--420769534.html

Every weekday morning the LMT guys test rifles at the Milan Rifle Club, the new facility will have its own 100 yd range.