Federal agents from the Nashville field division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have searched the Nashville factory of military weapons manufacturer Sabre Defence Industries, according to a release by Sabre.
Sabre manufactures firearms and firearm parts and accessories. It is contracted by the U.S. armed forces for parts and mounts for the M2 Browning .50-caliber machine gun and Minigun. In addition to its government contracts, it produces the XR15 rifle, non-standard M4 Carbines, and non-standard M16A4s.
Jim Cavanaugh, special agent in charge of the Nashville field division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said agents executed a search warrant at the plant last week, but he would not say what they were looking for.
Law enforcement officials were seen escorting employees one by one of the company out of their 35,000-square-foot facility on Allied Drive. Each employee was searched next to their personal vehicle, had their vehicle searched and, when cleared, were allowed to leave the premises. No individuals were witnessed being arrested, according to the release.
The company released a statement saying one or more employees may have obtained and resold some items without appropriate licenses. The company says its cooperating in the investigation.
Sabres Web site says the U.S. government is its largest customer.
Among its military contracts is one to provide parts for Browning M2 .50 caliber machine guns.
