US Ammo Plant Goes Full Throttle for Ukraine!

The U.S. Army’s Scranton Ammunition Plant in Pennsylvania has ramped up production of 155mm artillery shells, a key weapon in Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russian forces. This historic factory, now under contract with General Dynamics, has increased its output by 50% to meet the escalating demand from the war-torn region, with plans to further expand its capacity.

Amid the escalating conflict in Ukraine, the Scranton plant has become a vital component in the supply chain for 155mm howitzer rounds. The factory, originally built as a locomotive repair shop in the early 20th century, now plays a crucial role in the global geopolitical landscape. The U.S. Army purchased the plant during the Korean War and has since transformed it into a high-capacity production facility for large-caliber artillery.

Currently, the plant has boosted its production rate from 24,000 to 36,000 rounds per month. According to Richard Hansen, the Army commander’s representative at the plant, they are heavily focused on producing these shells. “Right now, we’re concentrating on 155. That’s pretty much all we’re concentrating on,” Hansen stated, highlighting the factory’s intense focus on this particular munition.

The Scranton plant works by cutting and forging 2,000-pound bars of steel into these powerful shells. Once the rounds are shaped, they are shipped to another facility in Iowa, where they are packed with explosives and fitted with fuses. From there, many are sent directly to Ukraine, where they are desperately needed on the battlefield.

The surge in production is part of a broader, $400 million modernization effort at the plant. This includes the development of three new production lines designed to further increase the output of 155mm shells. The modernization project is one of the largest in the plant’s history, involving around 20 separate projects aimed at enhancing the facility’s efficiency and capacity.

During a recent tour of the factory, officials showcased one of the new production lines, which features a state-of-the-art machine that can perform the work of three older machines. This upgrade not only increases production but also maximizes the use of the plant’s 500,000-square-foot space.

The Scranton plant employs approximately 300 workers, many of whom have spent decades honing their skills on the factory floor. The production process involves cutting steel, heating it to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and then forging, machining, washing, and painting the finished shells. Each round undergoes rigorous manual inspection at every stage to ensure it meets precise specifications.

The stakes are high for the factory workers, as these shells must perform flawlessly in the field. “We want it to go where we point it,” Hansen emphasized. “We want it to go as far as we need it to go to do its job. Lives depend on it—the lives of the gun crew, the lives of innocent civilians depend on this round doing exactly what we want it to do out in the field.”

The Scranton plant’s production efforts are a critical part of the United States’ military support for Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, the U.S. has sent more than 3 million of these artillery rounds to Ukrainian forces. Earlier this month, the White House approved an additional $125 million in military aid, which includes more 155mm shells.

As the war in Ukraine drags on, the Scranton Ammunition Plant’s role in supplying these essential munitions continues to grow. The ongoing modernization project and production increases ensure that the plant remains a key player in the global defense landscape, providing Ukraine with the tools it needs to continue its fight against Russian aggression.