Pennsylvania ammo plant boosts production of artillery shells by one and a half times

A Pennsylvania ammunition plant has increased its monthly production by one and a half times. AP reported on this. An ammunition plant that makes a key artillery shell in Ukraine's fight against Russia has managed to boost production by 50%.

This is due to the general trend of increasing demand due to orders from other countries, including Ukraine.

155mm artillery shells made at the early stages of production, USA. Photo credits: The New York Times

In addition, additional facilities are expected to be opened to produce shell casings. The Scranton plant, along with two other ammunition plants in nearby Wilkes-Barre, recently increased production from 24,000 rounds per month to 36,000 rounds per month.

The company was able to increase production thanks to a £400 million financial package from the US government. This investment will help to modernize the enterprise significantly and increase the monthly volume of shells produced. In addition, three new production lines are expected to be launched, increasing the monthly production of artillery shells.

The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant cuts and forges 907-kilogram steel bars into 155 mm howitzer rounds.

Packing of shell casings in cargo containers. Freeze frame from the video A BIT ABOUT EVERYTHING

After the hulls are smelted, they are shipped to Iowa to be packed with explosives and fitted with fuses. From there, many of them make their way to the fight in Ukraine, where they are highly sought after.

Militarnyi previously reported that the Slovak company VOP Novaky opened a new ammunition production line on Friday, August 23, 2024.

The special equipment is capable of filling ammunition of 81 mm to 122 mm caliber with explosives.