Henry Repeating Arms Expands in Wisconsin, ATI Relocates to South Carolina
OutdoorHub Reporters 10.30.13
Two gun makers announced recently that drastic changes will be coming to their companies. Henry Repeating Arms started off the week with the news that the company’s facility in Rice Lake, Wisconsin will be producing rifles by 2014. American Tactical Imports (ATI) announced on Tuesday that it will be up-rooting from its Rochester, New York location and moving to Summerville, South Carolina.
Henry Repeating Arms purchased the 138,000-square foot Wisconsin facility in 2006. At the time the space was being used by Wright Products, which manufactured storm door hardware. According to Henry’s press release, Wright was forced to close after mounting pressure in the hardware industry. The gun maker kept 17 of Wright’s employees and has since grown the facility’s workforce to over a hundred. The company also invested millions of dollars in the facility to prepare for manufacturing of Henry’s famous steel centerfire rifles.
“I am proud of what we’ve accomplished in Wisconsin by saving jobs, adding jobs, and creating a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility,” said Anthony Imperato, Henry president and owner. “I decided to expand our operations here because of the outstanding job our employees do to help us meet increased demand”.
Henry’s Bayonne location was hard hit by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, costing the company hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs. Despite this, the gun maker rallied in the following weeks and saw record productivity after the repairs were finished.
“Henry’s goal is always to manufacture a line of classic, well-crafted firearms that every enthusiast can afford,” said General Manager Andy Wickstrom. “The passion, expertise, and dedication of our employees in Rice Lake embody the company’s motto, ‘Made In America Or Not Made At All’. We are very proud to make Wisconsin a more integral part of the Henry Family.”
Henry Repeating Arms will continue operations in their New Jersey location as well.
ATI released a press release earlier this week concerning a relocation to South Carolina. The transition will begin as early as November of this year and will involve an investment of $2.7 million. According to the company, the move to South Carolina was influenced by the state’s gun-friendly environment and excellent access to ports-of-entry.
The New York legislature passed what is considered the be the nation’s strictest set of gun control laws earlier this year. Called the New York SAFE Act, the law includes provisions that would make it illegal to load more than seven rounds into 10-round magazines, lengthening the list of banned “assault weapons” and the creation of a registry for gun owners with prohibited firearms, as well as the introduction of background checks for ammo, although that provision has since been delayed.
“This move to South Carolina will help ensure a solid foundation for our company,” said ATI President Tony DiChario. “The relocation process will be smooth and we have ensured that the process will not affect customer service, product distribution or any other segment of our business. The people of South Carolina have welcomed ATI with open arms and we are excited about making our new corporate home there.”
