PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The U.S. Army announced today that Hanwha Defense USA will establish its new Advanced Manufacturing Campus Administrative Headquarters at Pine Bluff Arsenal, marking the initial step in a planned long-term industrial cooperation.
The establishment of the administrative headquarters follows a competitive lease solicitation awarded to Hanwha Defense USA to utilize underutilized installation property. This Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) allows the U.S. Army to optimize installation footprint and generate capital return directly benefiting the military community.
"The eventual lease will create revenue for the Army, bring in new jobs for the local community, and enhance our organic industrial base," said Jordan Gillis, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment. "By leasing underutilized land, the Army can reinvest the consideration into critical infrastructure to support the quality of life of Soldiers, civilians, and their family members — delivering lasting value for both the Army and the region."
The initiative aligns with broader Department of War and U.S. Army modernization priorities aimed at reinforcing domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthening the national defense supply chain.
Pine Bluff Arsenal was selected due to its established infrastructure, specialized chemical and industrial expertise, and strategic proximity to key defense logistics routes. The collaboration represents a coordinated effort between installation leadership, state officials, and local economic development authorities.
“By choosing the Pine Bluff Arsenal as the home of their new munitions manufacturing campus, Hanwha Defense USA is delivering a huge win for communities throughout the Arkansas Delta, bolstering local economies and creating hundreds of jobs,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “It’s because of billion-dollar investments like this one that aerospace and defense is Arkansas’ number one export industry. Thank you, Michael, and the entire team at Hanwha for choosing the Natural State. I look forward to our ongoing partnership as we fuel the Arsenal of Freedom here at home.”
The administrative headquarters will oversee local operations and serve as the operational hub for Hanwha Defense USA's planned production footprint at the installation.
"Hanwha remains committed to supporting the American defense industrial base by bringing our manufacturing strength to the U.S. and creating up to 400 jobs in Arkansas," said Michael Coulter, Chief Executive Officer of Hanwha Defense USA. "By opening our new office in Pine Bluff that will oversee local operations, Hanwha plans to invest around $2.2 billion in our new Advanced Manufacturing Campus that will transform domestic munitions production and further strengthen America’s arsenal of freedom."
Hanwha Defense USA’s new facility will focus on the production of 155mm propellant charges and base bleed units. The facility will establish advanced domestic manufacturing capabilities spanning key stages of munitions production, supporting increased U.S. production capacity and modernizing the nation’s munitions industrial base.
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