US Army opens new 155mm artillery munitions plant in Texas
By Mike Stone

May 29, 2024 4:53 PM EDT Updated 13 hours ago

WASHINGTON, May 29 (Reuters) - The U.S. Army inaugurated its new Universal Artillery Projectile Lines facility in Mesquite, Texas, on Wednesday, marking a significant step in producing more 155mm artillery and modernizing domestic munitions production capabilities.

The plant, managed by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD.N), opens new tab, is part of a broader effort by the Army to update its industrial base and achieve a goal of making 155mm artillery shells at a rate of 100,000 a month.

Demand for 155mm artillery rounds has soared in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. But allies' supplies for their own defense have been run down as they have rushed shells to Kyiv, which fires thousands of rounds per day.

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth highlighted the importance of the facility, noting the plant's role in enhancing national defense by increasing production. "The work done in these production facilities contributes directly to our nation's defense and makes us stronger," Wormuth stated at the opening ceremony.

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