NIOA enters US manufacturing with firearms buy

Privately owned Queensland defence contractor NIOA has entered US military manufacturing with the 100 per cent acquisition of the Tennessee rifle design and manufacturing company, Barrett Firearms.

The purchase price was not revealed.

Revealing the company-changing move, NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa (pictured) said the two family-owned companies came together out of a shared commitment to quality, innovation, loyalty, and mission.

Nioa said: “NIOA’s association with Barrett dates back to 2008. We have been inspired by the story of Barrett and admire what Ronnie, Chris and the family have built over more than four decades.

“It’s been a story of hard work, perseverance, and purpose culminating in the delivery of critical capability for the men and women of the US military and its allies around the world as well as exceptional products to law enforcement agencies and civilian markets.

“Together we share the same mission – combining our expertise and family business values will ensure Barrett carries on building the finest products in the world.’’

Barrett will continue to operate under the Barrett brand as a separate NIOA division along with NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation and the group’s joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.

Management and staff at the Murfreesboro manufacturing facility in Tennessee will remain in place and production will continue as normal.

NIOA plans to further expand manufacturing activities in Murfreesboro, just as NIOA has been steadily investing in its Australian businesses.

Nioa also announced that Barrett President Sam Shallenberger was promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer while long-serving Barrett Chief Operating Officer Bryan James became President of the US group.

Barrett’s founders, Ronnie and Chris Barrett, are executive advisers to Barrett and the NIOA Group.

Barrett founder Ronnie Barrett said: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Barrett story.

“Rob and the NIOA team have great respect for the legacy Barrett has created as the leader in long range precision rifles.

“It’s reassuring to know Barrett will be in good hands with a family-owned company that is focused on manufacturing and delivering world-class firearms and munitions to a global network.”