Barrett Firearms Expands Operations in Rutherford County

News Summary

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. has announced a $76.4 million investment to expand its operations in Rutherford County, Tennessee. This project will create 183 new jobs and feature a new 250,000 square-foot facility that will serve as the primary global manufacturing hub. Barrett’s expansion is supported by TNECD, showcasing a growing workforce and economic commitment in the region, particularly in an industry of interest to both commercial and military markets.

Exciting Times Ahead for Rutherford County, Tennessee!

Rutherford County is buzzing with positive news as Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. has announced a massive investment of approximately $76.4 million to expand its operations right in the heart of the county. This fantastic project is set to bring about 183 new jobs to the area and further strengthen the local economy.

New Home for Barrett Firearms

The expansion includes a brand-new facility located at 8808 Manchester Pike. This state-of-the-art manufacturing site promises to cover around 250,000 square feet, making it the primary global manufacturing hub for Barrett’s innovative firearms. As such, it will feature cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, a sleek corporate office, and various other essential operations to streamline production.

It’s important to note that the NIOA Group, Barrett’s Australian parent company, also plans to establish its U.S. headquarters at this very facility once it’s completed. This addition is set to bolster Barrett’s prestige as a prominent player on the international firearms stage.

A Rich Legacy in Tennessee

Barrett Firearms has deep roots in Tennessee, having been founded back in 1982 in Murfreesboro. Recently, the company caught attention after being acquired by NIOA in 2023, allowing them to expand their operations with a fresh perspective and increased investment capability. This growth comes during a time when the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) has been incredibly supportive, backing 16 economic projects in Rutherford County since 2020, which led to about 2,600 job commitments and over $323 million in investments.

A Boost for Local Employment

The expansion is thrilled to provide 183 new job opportunities, with Barrett CEO Bryan James expressing gratitude for TNECD’s backing. This new influx of positions will serve both commercial and military markets, making Barrett a key figure in meeting the needs of buyers across various sectors.

Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr expressed excitement about Barrett’s expansion, underscoring its historical economic impact on the community. Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland also joined in on the positive sentiment, viewing existing company expansions as indicative of a robust business climate and quality lifestyle in the region.

Creating a Skilled Workforce

In addition to job creation, Barrett is committed to investing in the education and growth of its workforce. They cooperate with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) to provide tuition assistance for employees. This initiative, known as Barrett University, allows employees to further their education while working. The program features courses like the Applied Leadership Certificate Program, which is designed to cater to the evolving needs of the modern work environment.

A Bright Future

On the larger scale of national achievements, Barrett recently secured a $15 million contract with the U.S. Army for M107 Long Range Sniper Rifle variants, showcasing their manufacturing prowess. This contract is expected to be completed by September 22, 2029. Barrett is also expanding its international contracts, recently landing a deal for the new MRAD-ELR platform, further solidifying its position on the global stage.

All of this excitement showcases Barrett Firearms’ commitment to not just their business, but to the skilled and vibrant workforce that Tennessee has to offer. The future indeed looks bright for Barrett and all of Rutherford County!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• TNECD: Barrett Firearms to Expand Operations
• Guns.com: Barrett Lands New Military Contracts
• WGNS Radio: MTSU and Barrett Firearms Tuition Partnership
• News Channel 9: Barrett Firearms Gets $8 Million Contract
• Wikipedia: Barrett Firearms Manufacturing