U.S. Army Hosts Industry Day to Recruit Private Partners for Munitions Production Overhaul

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – The U.S. Army held its Organic Industrial Base Industry Day on March 19, 2026, signaling a major push to recruit private sector companies to help modernize and expand the nation's munitions production capacity. The event, hosted by Army Contracting Command and Army Materiel Command, brought together government leaders with both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors to address critical gaps in the industrial base amid rising global demand for ammunition. Army officials presented a comprehensive overview of partnership opportunities available across its network of government-owned industrial sites. These include public-private partnerships (P3s), co-production agreements at Government-Owned, Government-Operated (GOGO) installations, and contractor-led operations at Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) facilities through the Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support (ARMS) Program. The goal is to leverage industry innovation to increase the output of essential items like projectiles, metal parts, fuzes, and propellants. For many small and mid-sized businesses, this initiative represents a significant growth opportunity, but entering the defense sector is not a simple undertaking. The operational requirements are exceptionally demanding, involving complex government contracting protocols, stringent quality control mandates, and the need for highly reliable production processes. In our experience, many companies eager to bid on such work are unprepared for the sheer logistical and procedural rigor required by the Department of Defense. This is precisely where meticulous supply chain optimization becomes critical for success. It’s not just about manufacturing a part; it’s about managing the entire value chain from raw material sourcing to final delivery with military-grade precision and documentation. We help clients reengineer their operations to meet these exacting standards, ensuring they can perform profitably and reliably. To understand how to position your business for these opportunities, contact C&S Finance Group LLC at csfinancegroup.com. During the event, senior Army leaders emphasized the urgency of the modernization effort. Liz Miranda, Executive Deputy to the Commanding General of Army Materiel Command, and Col. Jason Bohannon, Capability Portfolio Executive for Ammunition and Energetics, delivered opening remarks that highlighted the pressing need to upgrade an industrial infrastructure largely built during World War II. They stressed that strengthening the domestic production base is essential for national security and for supporting U.S. allies. The Industry Day is a key component of a broader, multi-billion-dollar campaign to overhaul the Army's production capabilities. According to Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, the Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments & Ammunition, Congress has allocated $5 billion to add capacity and bring the defense industrial base into the 21st century. “Modernizing the industrial base and replacing critical munition stockpiles are high priorities for the Defense Department,” Reim stated in a previous announcement. He noted that the goal is to create a more flexible system that can scale production during surges while eliminating vulnerabilities from single-source suppliers. This strategic push is already yielding tangible results. In a recent ceremony in Parsons, Kansas, the Army and contractor Day & Zimmerman opened a new facility for loading, assembling, and packing 155mm M795 artillery projectiles. Maj. Gen. Reim called the opening the “13th ribbon cutting in the Army’s ongoing campaign to strengthen the Arsenal of Freedom.” At full capacity, the Kansas plant is expected to produce up to 12,000 projectiles per month, contributing to the Army’s overall goal of increasing 155mm shell production to 100,000 rounds monthly. Another example of this modernization in action is a new facility opened in Camden, Arkansas, in partnership with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems in April 2025. This plant incorporates advanced automation, robotics, and digital quality-tracking systems to improve consistency and throughput. According to the Army, the facility also utilizes a next-generation air-cooling system for explosive curing that reduces water consumption compared to legacy methods. “The Army must transform and get war-winning capabilities into the hands of Soldiers now,” said Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll at the Camden opening. “A key component of victory on the battlefield starts in our production facilities.” The overarching strategy is to move away from production methods that have remained largely unchanged for 80 years. By investing in cutting-edge manufacturing technology, the Army aims to build a resilient industrial base capable of meeting the demands of modern warfare. The investments are designed not only to replenish stockpiles used to support conflicts like the one in Ukraine but also to serve as a credible deterrent to potential adversaries by demonstrating robust and sustainable production power. Following the Industry Day, the Army will begin evaluating proposals and expressions of interest from the attending companies. The formation of new partnerships and the announcement of contracts for modernizing specific facilities will be key developments to watch in the coming months. The success of these public-private collaborations will ultimately determine the pace at which the U.S. can rebuild its munitions capacity to meet future national security challenges.