Inside the Iconic Somerset Factory Opening Its Doors to Henry Vacuum Superfans. For the first time in years, the Somerset plant behind Britain’s most recognizable vacuum cleaner is opening its doors to the public.

Numatic International—the maker of the iconic red-and-black Henry vacuum—is offering exclusive factory tours at its facility in Chard, Somerset, to mark National Manufacturing Day and celebrate the brand’s 45th anniversary.

A Rare Look Inside

Though Henry’s cheerful smiling face has been a fixture in British homes, schools, and offices since the 1980s, few realise the popular appliance is built in Chard. The facility employs 1,200 local staff and produces over one million Henry vacuums every year—equivalent to one rolling off the line every 30 seconds. Visitors stepping inside on Thursday, September 24 will get a behind-the-scenes look at the design, assembly, and testing processes that go into each unit.

Limited-Edition Anniversary Collector’s Item

To celebrate the occasion, Numatic is launching a special limited-edition Henry model:
Production: Capped at just 1,000 units.
Design Features: A custom tweak to the iconic logo featuring an automated arm placing the “y” into Henry, alongside a black-and-white Union Jack graphic stamped with “Made in the UK” on his bowler hat.
Pricing: Retailing from £129.99.

Sustainability and UK Manufacturing

Simon Lawson, Managing Director of Numatic International, highlighted the company’s commitment to British engineering and sustainability:
Built to Last: Every Henry is designed and tested for a minimum lifespan of 25 years, backed by spare parts availability for every model ever produced under a “repair, don’t replace” philosophy.
Green Energy: Following an £85 million facility expansion, the site now features a massive solar array capable of generating enough energy to manufacture 500,000 Henrys a year purely on solar power.