Henry Repeating Arms, a top-tier American firearms manufacturer, announced Tuesday a steadfast commitment to centralize all of its manufacturing operations in Wisconsin, effectively transferring production from Bayonne, New Jersey, to its newly expanded, cutting-edge headquarters in Rice Lake and two facilities in nearby Ladysmith. The company also plans to finalize the acquisition of a third Ladysmith facility by mid-summer 2025. This deliberate move enhances production capacity to meet surging demand and positions Henry Repeating Arms for sustained growth, propelled by its emphasis on pioneering firearms design.
“We’re putting everything into Wisconsin because it streamlines our work, boosts productivity, and fosters teamwork among our design and engineering crews,” said Anthony Imperato, CEO of Henry Repeating Arms.“This setup keeps our quality high and positions us well for the future.”
Henry Repeating Arms, now a leader among U.S. long gun manufacturers, employs over 800 people and operates facilities totaling more than 400,000 square feet. The company’s roots trace back to its first product, the Henry H001 Lever-Action .22, shipped in March 1997.
Named after Benjamin Tyler Henry, the inventor of the original repeating rifle in 1860, the company has no direct lineage to its namesake but carries forward his legacy of innovation. Headquartered in Rice Lake since 2006, Henry also maintains two plants in Ladysmith, with the third acquisition set to bolster its footprint further. The shift from Bayonne marks the end of its New Jersey operations, consolidating all manufacturing within a tight radius in northwest Wisconsin.
Imperato, whose family has been entrenched in the firearms industry since 1911, launched the company in 1996 alongside his father, Louis, in Brooklyn, New York. With over 40 years of experience, he has steered Henry from a modest startup to a powerhouse in the lever-action rifle market, earning a reputation for quality and customer loyalty.
Known for its “Made in America, Or Not Made At All” motto, Henry Repeating Arms has built a legacy on domestic production, offering a lifetime warranty on every firearm.
The company ranks among the top five U.S. long gun producers, crafting over 300,000 firearms annually, with its signature Henry Golden Boy rifle—a rimfire lever-action—becoming a staple for hunters and collectors alike. Over one million H001 rifles have been sold since its debut, a milestone celebrated with a $50,000-plus auction of serial number one million for charity. Beyond rifles, Henry has expanded into shotguns and, more recently, rimfire revolvers, all designed with a blend of aesthetic appeal and functional precision.
Imperato’s vision extends beyond production. “When you choose to spend your hard-earned money on a Henry, you have my personal satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime warranty for the life of the product,” he said. “Your 100% satisfaction is of utmost importance, and our award-winning customer service team is empowered to do whatever it takes to make sure you are happy with your Henry.” This commitment has earned the company accolades, including multiple American Business Awards for customer service and social media presence.
The move to Wisconsin reflects both practical and philosophical priorities.
“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.”
Henry’s growth has been marked by strategic expansions, including an 84,000-square-foot Ladysmith facility opened in 2021 and the $1.75 million purchase of a former Beechworth Windows plant. These investments have turned northwest Wisconsin into a hub for the company’s operations, aligning with its goal of keeping production close-knit and efficient.
The company’s charitable arm, Guns For Great Causes, further distinguishes it. Launched by Imperato over 20 years ago after overcoming personal challenges, the program has donated more than $3.5 million to support pediatric cancer patients, veterans, law enforcement, and Second Amendment advocacy. “I conceived of Henry’s Guns For Great Causes some 20 years ago after surviving some difficult times, feeling blessed and grateful,” Imperato said upon receiving the NYPD Humanitarian Award in December 2024. “Giving back will always be part of Henry Repeating Arms’ DNA.” This ethos has fueled initiatives like donating custom rifles to raise funds for children’s medical treatments, including $78,250 for two young cancer patients in 2020.
Imperato’s leadership blends hands-on experience with a forward-looking approach. Starting in his family’s Manhattan gun shop in 1978, he gained a customer-first perspective that still shapes Henry’s operations. After launching Colt Blackpowder Arms in 1994 with a home equity loan, he founded Henry with his father, who served as chairman until his death in 2007. Today, Imperato works alongside President Andy Wickstrom to guide the company, maintaining its family-owned ethos despite its scale.
The Wisconsin consolidation aligns with Henry’s innovation goals. “We’re thrilled with our fans and everyone that chose to support the Kreinbrink and Burge family by purchasing one of these rifles,” Imperato said in 2020, reflecting on a fundraising effort that sold out in hours. That same drive now fuels the company’s push to streamline production and enhance design capabilities, ensuring every firearm—from classic lever-actions to new revolvers—meets exacting standards.
As Henry Repeating Arms closes its Bayonne chapter, the move to Wisconsin signals a new era. With all manufacturing now stateside in the Midwest, the company reinforces its identity as an American original, rooted in craftsmanship and community. “We would not be the company we are today without the two pillars of our success: our employees and our customers,” Imperato said in a 2022 message of gratitude. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” For a company built on heritage and hustle, this transition is less a departure and more a homecoming, securing its place in America’s firearms landscape for years to come.
