Barrett Begins Construction on New Era in Weapon Systems Manufacturing

MURFREESBORO, TN – The NIOA Group has officially broken ground on its new Barrett Firearms facility, heralding a new era in weapon systems manufacturing for Tennessee.

The ceremony marking the beginning of construction of the Barrett Manufacturing & Technology Campus (BMTC) and NIOA North American Headquarters, was attended by a host of dignitaries including Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Senator for Tennessee, the Honorable Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr and Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland, industry leaders, company executives and staff.

The BMTC will be the NIOA Group’s global center of excellence for firearms and advanced military weapons manufacturing and research capabilities. The ceremony was held today in conjunction with TNECD.

The $76.4 million project creates a 170-acre campus at 8808 Manchester Pike, not far from the company’s original headquarters where it has proudly operated for more than four decades. It marks the most significant investment in Barrett’s history and reflects the NIOA Group’s long-term commitment to advanced manufacturing and local jobs in Rutherford County.

Barrett has built a legendary reputation for its craftmanship and innovation in large caliber long-range superiority over 40 years and is a trusted supplier to US and allied militaries worldwide. This new facility described as “the factory of the future” will continue that story of innovation, research and development and precision military manufacturing to produce the next generation of advanced soldier fired weapon systems.

Stage 1 of the BMTC includes corporate headquarters, R&D capabilities, large scale state-of-the-art manufacturing and first floor office area spread over more than 250,000 square feet. The expansion will double the Barrett workforce over the next five years and enable the company to meet growing worldwide demand for its commercial and defense products.

Barrett CEO Bryan James said the new facility represented a bold step forward and a long-term commitment to the company’s heritage in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

“As a locally founded business, we’re proud to invest once again in the place that has shaped our success as a global leader serving both the commercial and military markets,” Mr. James said.

“This project not only underscores our commitment to the region, supporting hundreds of local jobs, but it’s a significant investment in our people, our customers and our capabilities.”

Mr. James thanked TNECD and the wider community for their strong support of the project, recognizing its potential to create skilled jobs for the region.

NIOA Group executive chairman and chairman of the Barrett board, Rob Nioa, said the new facility would serve as the NIOA Group’s global firearms and advanced military weapons manufacturing center of excellence.

“Tennessee is a firearms and ammunition industry powerhouse. As we look ahead to global growth, we are excited to be building the factory of the future right here,” Mr. Nioa said.

“This is a strategic investment that will give us the scale, technology and capacity to meet the evolving demands of our customers and defense partners worldwide.”

Construction of the BMTC is expected to be completed by February 2027 with operations to begin soon after.

Government officials, NIOA ownership, Barrett Executives and project developers at the BMTC Groundbreaking Ceremony. (Photo by TNECD)

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Rizo-Patron Joins Executive Group as PresidentBROUSSARD, LA. (Aug. 14, 2025) – UNITY Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, announced today the hire of Jose Rizo-Patron as president. In this role Rizo-Patron joins the executive group and is responsible for the overall strategic growth of the business, including product development, operations, business development, marketing communications and human resources.

Rizo-Patron joins UNITY following his role as CEO of Team Wendy®, where he spent 12 years growing the company into a manufacturer of full-scale helmet systems with customers in more than 60 countries across the military, first responder and civilian markets.

“UNITY has seen significant growth in recent years, and Jose brings a depth of experience to continue that upward trajectory,” said Trent Zimmer, founder and chief innovation officer of UNITY Tactical. “With his intimate understanding of the defense industry and the professional end user, and his extensive experience in strategic business development and operations, Jose will usher sustained growth and help to advance our already diverse portfolio of products.”

Rizo-Patron also sits on the board of several non-profits, including but not limited to OTOA (Ohio Tactical Officers Association), IFB Solutions and the Live Like Sam Foundation. Prior to his 12 years in defense manufacturing, he held diverse operational and executive leadership roles in companies and industries that moved him to Houston, San Francisco, Miami, Madrid, Buenos Aires, Cleveland and now Park City, Utah.

“When you think about the elements of a great business, UNITY has all the right factors in place,” Rizo-Patron said. “Tremendously talented and well-respected people coupled with product innovation and uncompromising quality. I’m honored to join their ranks and excited to help drivecontinued growth, following their legacy of excellence in an industry I’m intimate with and passionate about.”

“The addition of Jose’s leadership will add so much value, while allowing me to focus my time more fully on product development and innovation, which is at the very core of the brand. UNITY has a bright future, and I’m confident Jose’s direction will resonate with our people – employees, partners and customers,” Zimmer added.

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