Army opens new munitions facility

The Army has inaugurated a new modular metal parts facility in Mesquite, Texas.

Among an assortment of production capabilities, the Universal Artillery Projectile Lines facility will increase the Army's ability to produce 155mm munitions, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters during a briefing.

"The Army is spending more than a billion dollars every year to make these critical improvements, and this plant is an important example of how we are modernizing our industrial base," says Singh.

"We're building new production lines across the country, and we're expanding our contracts with existing production facilities to increase their production speed and capacity," says Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth. "And we couldn't increase our production rates without the skilled expertise of the Americans who work in these arsenals and facilities around the country."

"Each time I visit a plant, I am struck by the dedication, patriotism and pride of the workers I meet; and I know that here in Mesquite, it won't be any different," Wormuth continues.

"The work done in these production facilities contributes directly to our nation's defense and makes us stronger."

The UAPL is a state-of-the-art facility that will be operated by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. It is equipped with long-stroke, high-tonnage forging capabilities, and will be capable of high-volume production capabilities for large-caliber metal parts.

The UAPL will help the Army meet its modernization goals by incorporating modern manufacturing practices, high levels of automation and digital data capture ability.

"Current and future Army readiness requires modernization efforts that leverage new technologies; advanced manufacturing equipment and processes; and surge capabilities to enable production at scale," says Singh, adding that such efforts will significantly strengthen U.S. munition production capabilities and will serve as a credible deterrent to our adversaries.

"This new facility underscores the Army and industry's commitment to bolstering the defense industrial base and maintaining the readiness of our armed forces."