Jane Edwards 
- Hanwha Defense USA has unveiled a munitions campus plan for Pine Bluff Arsenal
- The campus is projected to add close to 400 jobs over seven years
- The company opened a new administration headquarters at the arsenal
Hanwha Defense USA has announced plans to build a $2.2 billion munitions manufacturing campus at the U.S. Army’s Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas, a project the company said is expected to create approximately 400 jobs over seven years.
The company said Hanwha executives joined state officials and local leaders Monday to mark the opening of its new administration headquarters at Pine Bluff Arsenal, which the company described as the first step toward its planned manufacturing campus.
In January, the Army awarded Hanwha Defense USA a lease for a munitions campus at the military installation. In August, the company secured a potential $100 million Army contract to produce prototype versions of its K9 Mobile Howitzer as part of the service’s Mobile Tactical Cannon program.
What Will the Proposed Facility Produce?
The proposed Hanwha Advanced Manufacturing Campus will focus on producing 155mm propellant charges and base bleed units. The company said the facility will establish domestic manufacturing capabilities spanning multiple stages of munitions production, with the goal of increasing U.S. production capacity and modernizing the country’s munitions industrial base.
What Did Hanwha Defense USA & Army Officials Say About the Plan?
Michael Coulter, CEO of Hanwha Defense USA, said the company remains focused on supporting the U.S. defense industrial base through its domestic manufacturing investment.
“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 industrial base and further strengthen America’s arsenal of freedom,” added Coulter.
Jordan Gillis, assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment, said the eventual lease agreement is expected to generate revenue for the Army while supporting the local community through job creation.
“By leasing underutilized land, the Army can reinvest the consideration into critical infrastructure to support quality of life of Soldiers, civilians, and their family members — delivering lasting value for both the Army and the region,” Gillis added.
How Does the Planned Facility Align With Hanwha Defense USA’s Other Growth Efforts?
The latest announcement follows a series of growth initiatives by the company in the U.S. defense sector. In August, Hanwha Defense USA offered up to $1.2 billion to acquire Austal USA, pending due diligence and regulatory approval.
Earlier this year, the company named Stephen Adams senior vice president of finance to help lead business transformation efforts and partnered with Magnet Defense to jointly build a 38-meter medium unmanned surface vessel.
