ILION - A top U.S. Army General gives Remington Arms in Ilion a thumbs up, calling the manufacturer "second to none."

"Remington is a quality product, and if we get a fair share at the contracts then we will get them," said Congressman Michael Arcuri.

This was the motivation that prompted Congressman Arcuri to invite a top U.S. General to to tour Remington Arm's facilities.

General Mark Brown overseas a $4.1 billion annual appropriation, with which he is responsible for everything soldiers wear and or carry in combat operations. His mission is three fold.

"Increase combat effectiveness,save soldiers lives and increase soldiers quality of life," said General Brown.

A big part of that is the weaponry soldiers depend on to defend themselves, and military contracts gun manufacturers depend on for their financial survival.

During war-time development of products is constantly evolving

"We have a very tight feedback loop between the soldiers in the fight, and the people who develop the weapons," General Brown said.

And both Arcuri and General Brown see the possibility of Remington's relationship with the military evolving as well.

"And it is a relationship we would like to continue to nurture as we go forward in the defense of our nature," General Brown said.

"It is more than just what they do for the economy," Arcuri said. "It's part of America. If we can't supply our military with American made goods than what kind of country are we anyway?"

As of right now Remington Arms does supply the U.S. Army with two weapons. They are the 870-shotgun and the M-24 sniper rifle - both of which are integral in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.