Barret Firearms announced the coming major expansion of its manufacturing capabilities in Tennessee. The planned state-of-the-art Barrett Manufacturing & Technology Campus (BMTC) aims to redefine excellence in weapons system manufacturing, all while delivering jobs growth in the state. It also signals more support from parent company NIOA Group, the Australian defense company that acquired Barrett in 2023.
Barrett Manufacturing & Technology Campus Announced
The Department of Tennessee Economic and Community Development (TNECD) formally announced the $76.4 million BMTC March 20. A campus-style industrial precinct, it will house designing, developing, manufacturing, testing, sustaining and distributing of Barrett’s expanding product lines.
The construction site, set to take place on a 170-acre greenfield site, sits less than a mile from Barrett’s current headquarters. The expansion will double Barrett’s workforce over the next five years. The move enables Barrett to meet growing worldwide demand for commercial and defense products. Barrett plans to open the new facility in early 2027.
Tennessee Supports 2A Industry
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Barrett Firearms made the joint announcement.
“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,” Barrett CEO Bryan James said. “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.”
“We are thrilled to announce the expansion of Barrett’s operations in Murfreesboro and look forward to the positive impact this project will have on the local economy and beyond,” said Rob Nioa, CEO of Barrett Firearms’ parent company NIOA Group. “The BMTC will serve as our primary firearms manufacturing site globally and demonstrates our commitment as a major American manufacturer catering to both the commercial and military markets.”
The BMTC will be capable of designing, developing, manufacturing, testing, sustaining and distributing:
- Commercial firearms of all types
- Advanced military small arms
- Specialist ammunition of various natures
The design focuses on creating a cutting-edge campus-style environment. It integrates the corporate headquarters, R&D capabilities, manufacturing, secure warehouse and logistics hubs. Stage one of the BMTC features a total area of approximately 250,000 square feet. It includes an on-site caferteria, multi-use auditorium, conference and training rooms and outdoor meeting space. The R&D facilities come with state-of-the-art testing ranges and laboratory space.
