Aussie-owned Barrett breaks ground on ‘factory of the future’ 

The NIOA Group has marked another milestone in its US expansion with the start of construction on Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc’s new $117 million facility in Tennessee. 

The Barrett Manufacturing & Technology Campus will serve as Barrett’s global headquarters and centre of excellence for research, development and production of advanced soldier-fired weapon systems. Stage one includes new corporate offices, R&D capabilities and more than 250,000 square feet of state-of-the-art manufacturing space. 

Barrett has been part of the NIOA Group since 2023, when the Brisbane-based defence supplier acquired the legendary American rifle maker. NIOA executive chairman Rob Nioa said the project underscored the company’s role in strengthening Allied defence capability alongside Five Eyes and AUKUS partners. 

“With global security and deterrence more critical than at any time in the past 80 years, we’re very focused on working with Australia’s Five Eyes and AUKUS partner nations to build sovereign defence industrial capability,” Mr Nioa said. 

“We are excited to be building the factory of the future here in Tennessee that will have far-reaching local benefits and international impact.” 

While the development is focused firmly on meeting international military demand, it represents another example of an Australian-owned company making an impact on the global stage. NIOA has again demonstrated their growing influence internationally and the long-term future for Barrett under Australian ownership. 

Construction is scheduled for completion in early 2027. Full press release here.