Henry Repeating Arms announced on July 13 that Andy Wickstrom has been appointed the company’s next president. Wickstrom began his employment with Henry Repeating Arms as the general manager of the company’s Rice Lake, WI, manufacturing facility. Anthony Imperato, company president since 1997, now holds the title of founder and CEO.
“Mr. Wickstrom has been our de facto president for the past few years,” Imperato said. “His official appointment is long overdue. He has worked hard for these past 15 years and earned this position. He has the talent, the energy, my trust, and respect.”
“Helping to grow Henry in the last 15 years has been an absolute pleasure and the highlight of my career,” said Wickstrom. “In my new role, I look forward to continuing to work with Mr. Imperato to execute our shared strategic vision while maintaining the culture, character and passion that brought us to the table and has served us well thus far.”
Wickstrom began his career as a manufacturing engineer and then director of operations at Wright Products, which was a key Henry supplier starting in 1998. In 2006, certain assets of Wright Products, as well as its140,000-square-foot facility in Wisconsin, were acquired by Imperato. In 2015, Wickstrom was promoted to vice president and general manager to oversee all company activity, including its 110,000-square-foot facility in Bayonne, NJ.
During his 15-year tenure with Henry Repeating Arms, he facilitated the growth of operations, company-wide improvements and new product development while implementing lean manufacturing practices and cost-saving methods. Today Henry Repeating Arms has more than 550 employees between its two locations and manufactures a growing catalog of over 200 different models of firearms in a variety of calibers and finishes. He holds a B.S. degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Stout. He enjoys sharing many outdoor sports with his two sons, including whitetail and pheasant hunting, fishing and motorsports.
In his capacity as president, Wickstrom will provide leadership directing the future of Henry Repeating Arms while preserving the company’s core values, relationships with employees, vendors, distributors, dealers and the company’s focus on the customer.
