ILION - In a time where some businesses have shut down in Central New York or left the area, one manufacturing plant is doing what it can to thrive in the Mohawk Valley.

Remington Arms in Ilion will be adding jobs to its workforce this Summer. And will receive millions of dollars for much needed renovations.

In the heart of Ilion lies Remington Arms, employing about 800 people. And it's seen its fair share good and troubled times. On Monday, State Senator James Seward made an announcement he hopes will cement the future of this firearm manufacturing plant.

Remington Arms is merging with a smaller firearms plant - Harrington and Richardson. Seward says that consolidation, with a $1.5 million Senate Capital Grant, will create about 100 new jobs. That money will also go toward major renovations of the plant's machinery and equipment. Seward says while it's important to grow economically, it's also vital to preserve the businesses that are already here.

"The ripple effect up and down the Mohawk Valley of business that's created because Remington Arms is in Ilion...everything from restaurants, the gas stations, the subcontractors... that they utilize throughout the communities," Senator Seward said.

Officials with Remington Arms say they are moving very quickly to fill these jobs. They hope to start filling the jobs this June and complete the process by the end of the year.

State Senator Seward is up for re-election this November. He is running against democratic candidate Don Barber.