Research Electronics International (REI), a global leader in counter-surveillance technology, marked a major milestone this weekend with the ribbon cutting of a 36,000-square-foot expansion at its facility in Putnam County.
Founded in 1983 by self-taught inventor Bruce Barsumian, REI began as a small operation focused on creating tools to protect against eavesdropping and espionage—before the rise of the internet, cell phones, or even 3.5-inch floppy disks. More than 40 years later, the company is a trusted provider of Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) equipment for governments, law enforcement, and private security teams around the world.
The latest expansion—the company’s second since 2002—will support REI’s continued growth in engineering, product development, and training. The REI Training Center has seen a notable rise in attendance, prompting the need for additional project rooms and office space.
“This morning, we celebrated the groundbreaking of Research Electronics International’s 36,000-square-foot expansion,” said the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. “Congratulations to the entire REI team on this exciting new chapter!”
Barsumian, reflecting on the company’s origins during its 40th anniversary in 2023, said, “I never imagined REI would become an industry leader… at first, we just wanted to make the best products we could.”
REI is now a subsidiary of HEICO Corporation and continues to operate out of Putnam County, where its innovation and advanced technology development remain a point of pride for the region.