Tennessee is looking ahead to bolster its manufacturing sector with the expansion of Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. in Rutherford County. The company, which was acquired by the Australian NIOA Group in 2023, is planning to invest $76.4 million to build a 250,000-square-foot facility that will serve as its global manufacturing hub. This move is set to create 183 new jobs and will include the setup of NIOA’s U.S. headquarters at the same site.
In what is seen as a move to significantly enhance its operations, Barrett Firearms, with its long-standing ties to Tennessee, is poised to not just expand but also innovate in the region. “Tennessee is shaped by brands like Barrett that have made significant investments in our skilled workforce for decades,” said Gov. Bill Lee, as per the official announcement. This expansion is part of a broader trend, with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development supporting 16 economic initiatives in Rutherford County since 2020, resulting in around 2,600 job commitments.
Facility construction at 8808 Manchester Pike marks a strategic step for Barrett Firearms, a company founded in Murfreesboro in 1982, according to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Officials at Barrett conveyed their determination to bolster the brand’s footprint and capabilities within the state and beyond. “We thank the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for their vision and for their shared enthusiasm in this growth opportunity in our state,” said Bryan James, CEO of Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. “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.”…