The Milan Army Ammunition Plant reached a peak workforce...

The production mission ended at the Milan Army...

Col. Aaron Cornett (left), the commander of the Crane...

MILAN, Tenn. — The acreage the city of Milan, Tennessee, has in its possession has increased within the last several weeks.

On April 23, Milan city officials shared that the transfer of 292 acres, which were formerly part of the Milan Army Ammunition Plant, from the U.S. Army to Milan was complete.

“This milestone represents the culmination of years of collaboration and partnership and marks a transformative new chapter in Milan’s economic development and long-term growth,” said BW Beasley, Milan’s mayor.

The land wasn’t free. Milan used $4.2 million from funds that were appropriated by the state of Tennessee to complete the purchase, which has been in the works for close to a decade.

MLAAP, a former government-owned, contractor-operated facility, was officially deactivated April 10, 2025, and it was a subordinate of the Joint Munitions Command, which is headquartered at the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois.

JMC provides the conventional ammunition life‑cycle functions of logistics sustainment, readiness and acquisition support for all U.S. military services, other government agencies, and allied nations, as directed. Prior to being deactivated, MLAAP reported directly to the Crane Army Ammunition Activity in Indiana.

“The transfer of this property marks the closing of a proud chapter in our military history and the beginning of a new era for Milan,” said Col. Aaron Cornett, CAAA’s commander. “The Army recognizes the immense potential of this land, and we are proud to place it in the hands of the community that has supported our mission so faithfully.

“Milan has always been more than just a host city to the Army ammunition plant; it has been a true partner in our national defense efforts,” Cornett added. “As we hand over stewardship of this historic property, we do so knowing it is going to those who value its legacy as much as we do.”

MLAAP reached a peak workforce of roughly 11,000 employees and specialized in loading, assembling, and packing munitions, including artillery projectiles, grenades, and mortars. Its mission also encompassed demilitarization, renovation activities, and comprehensive logistics support.

Established in 1941, the production mission ended at MLAPP in 2013, and the facility served as an explosive storage and distribution center until early 2020, after it was declared excess in the summer of 2019.