Ground was broken earlier this month on the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) for the new facility that will produce 6.8mm cartridges for the U.S. military with Winchester—a division of Olin Corporation—overseeing operations as the site’s operating contractor. The ammunition is part of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) Program and represents a significant step in the Army’s modernization efforts.
“Olin Winchester has a rich history in ammunition manufacturing excellence and support of the U.S. Military,” Ken Lane, Olin President & CEO, remarked during the groundbreaking ceremony. “We are proud to build on this American legacy through this opportunity to partner with the U.S. Army to construct this transformational facility and bring new capabilities to the Warfighter.”
The ceremony featured remarks from Ken Lane, MAJ GEN John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition, and Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester. Liz Miranda, U.S. Army Material Command’s (AMC) Executive Deputy to the Commanding General, BGD GEN Ronnie Anderson, Commander of the Joint Munitions Command (JMC), Staff from Congressman Sam Graves and Senator Eric Schmitt’s office, and other federal, state, and local representatives were among the more than 100 special guests in attendance.
“This facility will represent a significant step forward in equipping our Soldiers with the advanced munitions they need to maintain overmatch on the battlefield,” noted Reim. “With 90 percent of the work supported by industries in the Kansas City region and nearly 50 local businesses involved in the construction, this project will strengthen the defense industrial base, create well-paying jobs, and drive economic growth in the local community. Lake City has been central to our nation’s ammunition production since 1941, and this facility builds on that proud and historic legacy.”
The 450,000 square foot advanced ammunition production facility will be capable of manufacturing all components of 6.8mm ammunition as well as finished rounds for the U.S. military, reinforcing the iconic legacy of LCAAP and its vital role in national defense.
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