Olin Corporation today announced that its Winchester division, in collaboration with the U.S. Army’s Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) and Joint Munitions Command (JMC), celebrated the groundbreaking of the new 6.8 mm Ammunition Facility at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri.
Part of the Next Generation Squad Weapons Program, the 450,000 square-foot advanced ammunition production facility will be capable of manufacturing all components of 6.8 mm ammunition, as well as completed rounds for the U.S. military, reinforcing the legacy of Lake City Army Ammunition Plant and its role in national defense.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new ammo production facility included remarks from Olin President and CEO Ken Lane, Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition and Winchester President Brett Flaugher.
“Olin Winchester has a rich history in ammunition manufacturing excellence and support of the U.S. Military,” Olin President and CEO Ken Lane said at the event. “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.”
In addition, Liz Miranda, U.S. Army Material Command’s (AMC) Executive Deputy to the Commanding General, Brigadier General Ronnie Anderson, Commander of the Joint Munitions Command (JMC), staff from Congressman Sam Graves and Senator Eric Schmitt’s office, along with 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,” Maj. Gen. John T. Reim said. “With 90% 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.”
Learn more about Winchester Ammunition at winchester.com.
