Rheinmetall opens medium-calibre production facility in Albacete

Rheinmetall has officially opened a new, state-of-the-art production facility for medium-calibre ammunition at its Albacete site in Spain. The expansion, part of the company's 'Firepower' project aimed at increasing European ammunition production, was attended by defence officials and company executives.

The facility focuses on manufacturing key components for medium-calibre cartridges, with an annual production capacity projected at around three million units. Rheinmetall has invested approximately 20 million euros in the expansion. The workforce at the Albacete site is expected to grow by nearly a third, from around 210 to approximately 300 employees.

Equipped with advanced automation, the new production lines will manufacture components for calibres ranging from 20 mm to 35 mm. This includes the production of approximately 1.2 million projectiles and 1.8 million cartridge cases annually. These components will be further processed at other Rheinmetall facilities to create ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles and anti-aircraft systems.

In addition to the new medium-calibre production, the Albacete plant will also expand its traditional core competency in manufacturing mortar systems. "Albacete is one of our key centres of expertise in ammunition components and weapon systems manufacturing," stated Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger. "We are introducing a new capability here to significantly increase medium-calibre production while strengthening the plant's existing core competence in mortar systems."