ICYMI: Industry News
From March 17–21, 2025
Henry Commits 100% Of Its Operations To Wisconsin
Henry Repeating Arms announced a firm commitment to establishing 100% of its manufacturing operations in the state of Wisconsin. The commitment includes transferring all of its Bayonne, N.J. manufacturing operations to its newly expanded state-of-the-art headquarters in Rice Lake, Wis., and two additional facilities in nearby Ladysmith, Wis. The company is also closing on a third Ladysmith facility in mid-summer 2025.
This strategic transition accommodates the need for increased production capacity and better supports the company’s future growth driven by innovative firearms design. Planting its flag firmly in the state of Wisconsin solidifies Henry Repeating Arms’ commitment to American craftsmanship in the heart of the Midwest and underscores the company’s relentless pursuit of enhancing the quality of its offerings, leading the industry in both aesthetic and functional design engineering, and delivering unmatched value to its growing customer base.
“We are putting all of our eggs in one basket, the Wisconsin basket, because it makes us more efficient, more productive and allows for more collaboration amongst our design and engineering teams, all while sustaining and enhancing Henry’s solid reputation for quality,” said Anthony Imperato, founder and CEO of Henry Repeating Arms. “With about 400,000 sq. ft. of cutting-edge manufacturing operations in four facilities within minutes of each other, Henry Repeating Arms is well positioned for its next chapter.”
“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.”
For more info: henryusa.com
Barrett Announces Tennessee Manufacturing & Technology Campus
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. has announced plans for a new state-of-the-art facility set to redefine excellence in weapon systems manufacturing while delivering job growth for the region. The announcement was made formally by the Department of Tennessee Economic and Community Development (TNECD).
The $76.4 million campus-style industrial precinct, to be known as the Barrett Manufacturing & Technology Campus (BMTC), will be capable of designing, developing, manufacturing, testing, sustaining and distributing Barrett’s expanding range of products.
It will be constructed on a 170-acre greenfield site in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and less than a mile from its current base. The expansion will double the Barrett workforce over the next five years and enable the company to meet growing worldwide demand for its commercial and defense products. The facility is planned to open in early 2027.
The announcement was made by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc.
“We thank the Department of Tennessee Economic and Community Development for their vision and for their shared enthusiasm in this growth opportunity in our State,” said Barrett CEO Bryan James. “This is a significant investment in growing Barrett’s capabilities for the future while underscoring our long-term commitment to the company’s Murfreesboro, Tennessee heartland. The BMTC will be an internationally recognized headquarters of firearms excellence, advancing our manufacturing and research capabilities as well as revolutionizing our product offerings.”
The BMTC will be capable of designing, developing, manufacturing, testing, sustaining and distributing commercial firearms of all types, advanced military small arms and specialist ammunition of various natures.
For more info: barrett.net
Ruger Affirms Commitment To MidwayUSA Foundation
Ruger Firearms has made significant efforts to support MidwayUSA Foundation and promote the future of shooting sports. From September to December 2024, Ruger hosted 17 auctions on GunBroker.com. The proceeds from these auctions totaled $25,000, benefiting MidwayUSA Foundation, a public charity dedicated to sustaining and growing youth shooting sports by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every dollar raised from these auctions will directly support youth shooting sports.
Ruger Public Relations Manager, Paul Pluff, shared, “Ruger Firearms is pleased to support MidwayUSA Foundation with the proceeds from our special GunBroker.com fundraising auctions. These funds will help continue the Foundation’s efforts to support youth shooting sports programs that provide the critical safety and firearms training that focuses on developing our next-generation’s shooting sports enthusiasts.”
MidwayUSA Foundation funds approximately 2,600 youth shooting teams through earmarked endowments. Each year, a team can receive a 5% cash grant from their endowment balance to cover expenses, including ammo, targets, safety equipment and travel expenses.
MidwayUSA Foundation Executive Director, G. Scott Reynolds, stated, “Commitment from industry leaders, such as Ruger, makes a real difference in furthering youth development through shooting sports. We can’t thank Ruger enough for their partnership and support of our mission!”
MidwayUSA Foundation also offers Range Development grants to provide funds for existing ranges to make expansions or improvements that allow for more youth shooting activities. That grant cycle is currently open and will close on April 1, 2025.
For more info: midwayusafoundation.org, ruger.com
Washington State Patrol Transitions To S&W Rifles
Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. announced its award of a firearm contract from the Washington State Patrol.
“I am pleased to announce that the Washington State Patrol (WSP) is replacing its aging patrol rifle. In my opinion, there was no other place to look other than the one manufacturer who has protected our beloved Troopers for over 100 years. The manufacturer who has made it a mission to provide law enforcement with the most dependable and reliable firearms in the industry. A manufacturer that treats its law enforcement and military community as family. I am proud to say that Smith & Wesson is shipping new M&P rifles to the Washington State Patrol,” said Spike Unruh, president of the Washington State Patrol Trooper’s Association.
“Smith & Wesson takes pride in continuing a long-standing tradition of partnership with the Washington State Patrol, which spans many decades. Their ongoing use of our products, along with their inherent trust in our brand and after-sales support, stands as the highest form of endorsement. We are honored to serve as the standard patrol rifle for the Washington State Patrol and look forward to many more years of this esteemed relationship,” said Mark Smith, S&W president and CEO.
For more info: smith-wesson.com
Lake Erie Arms Awarded NSSF’s Five-Star Range Rating
NSSF awarded Lake Erie Arms (LEA) its coveted Five-Star rating for range excellence. Five stars is the highest rating in NSSF’s star-rating system, which evaluates shooting facilities based on appearance, management, shooting sports development and amenities.
Lake Erie Arms is located in Milan, Ohio, about an hour’s drive from the population centers to the east of greater Cleveland and Akron.
Zach Snow, NSSF director, member development, said, “Lake Erie Arms checks all the boxes and then some, with its comprehensive services, surprising amenities and, perhaps most important, its welcoming attitude to customers.”
At 94,000 sq. ft., LEA packs a lot of ways to enjoy target shooting and training into its facility. There are several ranges, including a 16-station range where shooters can use Action Target’s multi-scenario target retrievers. For the shotgun shooter, the TopShot ClayHouse boasts eight shooting suites with “game modes” for trap, skeet, sporting clays and 5-stand. The four 100-yard indoor rifle lanes are each equipped with an integrated target camera providing a real-time view of each shot.
The company’s Training Academy classes meet the needs of shooters at all skill levels. Classes are taught by staff certified by the NRA, USCCA and Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy.
LEA offers customers a well-stocked pro shop with custom services such as laser engraving, Cerakoting and gunsmithing are also offered.
The Caliber Club restaurant provides fine dining and refreshments, VIP lounges, sauna and steam rooms, a public cafe, a vault room, shooting leagues and more. LEA has a full calendar of events, including poker night, live music and the popular clay target shooting 101 for adults.
“We are thrilled to receive NSSF’s five-star range rating,” said Jim West, COO and co-founder. “As anyone who visits Lake Erie Arms can see, providing great customer service and a top-tier place to enjoy the shooting sports are our priorities. We wear this five-star recognition proudly.”
For more info: learms.net, nssf.org
