Henry Repeating Arms, one of America’s leading firearm manufacturers, has announced the full relocation of its operations to Wisconsin. The move consolidates the company’s manufacturing facilities from Bayonne, New Jersey, to its expanded headquarters in Rice Lake, with additional operations in Ladysmith. A third facility in Ladysmith is set to open by mid-2025.
Why Henry Moves to Wisconsin?
Henry Repeating Arms has a long history in Wisconsin. Since 2006, the company has been manufacturing critical parts like receivers and bolts in Rice Lake, and by 2013, they began producing completed rifles there.
Now, Henry is closing its New Jersey plant and commits to Wisconsin with 400,000 square feet of cutting-edge manufacturing space spread across four locations. Dan Clayton-Luce, Vice President of Communications said, the company’s expansion added 12,500 square feet of additional warehouse and over 100 new CNC machines.
This is how he explained the decision: “The major reason for the move is increased output capacity. We’re fortunate to have seen a steady increase in demand for our firearms over the last five years, so we’ll now be better positioned to meet this growing demand. It is also far more operationally efficient from a manufacturing, assembly, and distribution perspective to have all of our facilities within 45 minutes of each other.”
Anthony Imperato, Founder and CEO, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are putting all of our eggs in one basket, the Wisconsin basket, because it makes us more efficient, productive, and allows for greater collaboration among our design and engineering teams, all while sustaining and enhancing Henry’s solid reputation for quality.”
New Jersey vs. Wisconsin
The decision to move isn’t just about streamlining production and logistics. Henry is also leveraging Wisconsin’s pro-business environment, skilled workforce, and strong hunting culture, which have created a supportive ecosystem for firearm manufacturing. Compared to New Jersey’s stringent gun laws and regulatory challenges, Wisconsin offers a far more hospitable setting.
“There’s something to be said about purchasing a rifle for the deer woods of Wisconsin that was made in Wisconsin by the people who hunt those same woods. We take a great deal of pride in what we do and where we do it, and we want our customers to feel that,” said Clayton-Luce.
One of Henry’s long-standing mottos, “Made in America or Not Made at All,” takes new meaning as the company plants its roots deeper in heartland soil.
What It Means for Wisconsin
The expansion reinforces Henry’s role as a major employer in the Midwest. Currently, the company employs over 800 people, and this relocation is expected to create additional jobs in Rice Lake and Ladysmith.
Rep. Rob Summerfield celebrated the move, saying, “I am thrilled to see a great American company like Henry Repeating Arms commit to northwestern Wisconsin.” He also highlighted Wisconsin’s strengths, stating that the decision is “a testament to the strength of our workforce and welcoming business environment.”
“These investments will create good jobs for the Rice Lake and Ladysmith areas and further develop Wisconsin’s industrial base,” he added.
Looking Ahead
With this move, Henry Repeating Arms is setting the stage for even greater success. “This transition allows us to double down on what we do best—making world-class rifles, shotguns, and revolvers right here in the heart of America,” said Andrew Wickstrom, President of Henry Repeating Arms. “Our Wisconsin operations have been essential to our success for a long time, and now it is the cornerstone of our bright future.”
As Henry deepens its roots in Wisconsin, the company not only reinforces its legacy of quality craftsmanship but also embraces a community that shares its values and passion. The future looks bright for Henry Repeating Arms as it enters this exciting new chapter.
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