CAMDEN, Ark. – The U.S. Army and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems
opened a new load, assemble and pack facility for 155 mm high explosive artillery projectiles on April 22 in Camden, Arkansas, reinforcing the Army’s strategic effort to expand production capacity, restore the defense industrial base, and strengthen deterrence through sustained investment in readiness.
“The Army must transform and get war-winning capabilities into the hands of Soldiers now, including key munitions. The Camden load, assembly, and pack munitions facility is just one of several modernization investments the Army is making to reinforce and strengthen our defense industrial base,” said Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll. “The Army remains committed to delivering relevant munitions at speed and scale to our Soldiers, the joint force, and allies and partners. It is not lost on us that a key component of victory on the battlefield starts in our production facilities.”
A LAP facility is the final stage in artillery projectile production, where 155 mm metal projectile bodies are filled with explosive material, assembled with other components, and packed for shipment. The Camden facility features two new LAP lines that will produce completed high-explosive projectiles at a rate of 50,000 per month when fully operational.
The facility is also part of a coordinated effort by the Army to increase the monthly output of 155 mm artillery projectiles to 100,000 per month. Since 2022, the Army has nearly quadrupled its monthly production of this critical munition—driven by efforts to improve readiness, respond to global demands, and incorporate lessons learned from current conflicts.
“Today is the result of a robust partnership between industry, local, state, and federal government teammates,” said Pat Mason, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology). “All parties worked quickly and flexibly to accelerate the construction you see around you.”
The new facility is set to bring the Army’s industrial base into the 21st century by leveraging new technologies and incorporating advanced automation and digital quality tracking for improved consistency and throughput. The facility will also introduce a next-generation air-cooling system for explosive curing to reduce water use in contrast to legacy cooling methods. These investments will significantly strengthen U.S. munition production capabilities and serve as a credible deterrent to adversaries.
For more information on the Camden LAP facility, please contact ASA(ALT)’s public affairs office at jamal.b.beck.civ@army.mil.
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