Asia Pacific Defence Reporter
Home › Industry News

Rheinmetall opens new production facility

By APDR

•Oct 2, 2026
Rheinmetall opens new production facility

Rheinmetall is strengthening its technological and production capabilities in Norway with the official opening of a new facility for Rheinmetall Nordic. This expansion will increase the company’s capabilities in development, production, system integration, logistics, and customer support. The site will support the Norwegian Armed Forces, international customers, and other Rheinmetall Group companies. The new site has a gross floor area of 4,579 square metres and is designed to accommodate 127 employees. At the time of opening, 100 employees will be based there. There is potential for future expansion of up to around 5,000 square metres. A 15-year lease has been signed for the site. The new premises offer improved working conditions and greater production flexibility. They facilitate collaboration across departments and programmes and lay the foundations for the efficient management of systems throughout their entire life cycle. Key technological areas include electro-optical systems, fire control systems, situational awareness solutions, weapon accessories and other advanced defence technologies. Morten Kjørum, CEO of Rheinmetall Nordic AS, said: ‘The opening of our new site in Skoppum represents a significant investment in the future of Rheinmetall Nordic. It lays the foundation for greater capacity, innovation, and value creation, while also strengthening our ability to support our customers and partners. At the same time, it underlines Rheinmetall’s long-term commitment to maintaining and expanding high-tech capabilities within the Norwegian defence industry.” With this new site, Rheinmetall is reaffirming its long-term commitment to the Norwegian defence industry. In view of the growing importance of defence readiness, resilient supply chains, and independent industrial capabilities, Rheinmetall Nordic is expanding its local capabilities. This will benefit the Norwegian Armed Forces, allied nations, and international partners, to whom the company provides technological solutions and long-term technical support. American Rheinmetall to make MK93 enhanced softmounts under new ADS order American Rheinmetall’s Maine production facility will manufacture and upgrade thousands of MK93 enhanced softmount systems under a new order supporting U.S. Army requirements through defence contractor ADS Inc and the Defense Logistics Agency. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026 and continue through October 2027. (PHOTO: Rheinmetall) The order includes production of 3,104 new MK93 enhanced softmount systems as well as upgrades to 245 previously delivered mounts, bringing all systems to the current configuration. The total order value is $20.7 million (€ 18.05 million). The MK93 enhanced softmount provides a stable, durable, and mission-ready mounting solution for crew‑served weapon systems. Its design supports reliability, configuration commonality, and long‑term sustainment, ensuring U.S. forces have equipment aligned with modern operational requirements. The program underscores American Rheinmetall’s ongoing commitment to U.S. defense customers through domestic manufacturing and sustainment capabilities. This order also reflects the strong engagement and support from Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who continues to champion defense manufacturing initiatives in Maine. Her collaboration helps reinforce the importance of sustaining critical industrial capabilities that directly contribute to U.S. force readiness. “American Rheinmetall’s skilled employees in Biddeford are continuing our state’s tradition of manufacturing high-quality, reliable equipment for America’s service members, and I am proud to support their important work,” said Collins. “The Army’s purchase of more than 3,000 weapon mounting systems is welcome news for the York County economy and demonstrates the critical role Maine workers play in our national defence.” “This award reflects the confidence our U.S. defense customers place in American Rheinmetall to deliver reliable, mission-ready solutions that support the operational needs of U.S. forces,” said Michael Thibault, Director of Business Development, American Rheinmetall. “Our Maine facility takes great pride in producing and upgrading these systems, ensuring they are ready for the demands of today’s missions.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]

TAGSRheinmetall

Comments

Loading comments...

Leave a Reply