American Rheinmetall strengthens U.S. defense industrial base with $31.7 million Michigan expansion

American Rheinmetall strengthens U.S. defense industrial base with $31.7 million Michigan expansion

(IN BRIEF) American Rheinmetall will invest $31.7 million in a new headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, consolidating its Troy and Sterling Heights operations into a single 168,056-square-foot facility and creating 450 new jobs. The expansion supports major U.S. defense initiatives, including the Army’s XM30 combat vehicle program, while also reinforcing domestic supply chains and workforce development. Beyond defense, the company’s advanced manufacturing will continue to benefit sectors such as agriculture and commercial machinery. Backed by the State of Michigan, MEDC, and local partners, the investment highlights Michigan’s engineering talent and legacy in heavy equipment manufacturing, while further solidifying American Rheinmetall’s role in the U.S. defense industrial base.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 11-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — American Rheinmetall is investing $31.7 million to expand its presence in Michigan with the establishment of a new headquarters in Auburn Hills, consolidating its Troy and Sterling Heights operations under one roof. The state-of-the-art, 168,056-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for advanced defense innovation and will create 450 new jobs, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening U.S. defense capabilities, supporting domestic supply chains, and bolstering the skilled American workforce.

The investment positions American Rheinmetall to play an even greater role in supporting critical U.S. Department of Defense programs, including its work as one of two prime contractors on the U.S. Army’s XM30 combat vehicle program, which will replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. By expanding its manufacturing footprint, the company aims to accelerate the delivery of next-generation defense technologies and contribute to the modernization of the U.S. military.

“This expansion represents a major step forward in strengthening our ability to deliver critical defense technologies to the U.S. military,” said Matt Warnick, CEO of American Rheinmetall. “It’s a direct investment in American manufacturing capacity and the skilled workforce that powers it.”

While defense innovation remains the central focus, American Rheinmetall also brings its advanced engineering and manufacturing expertise to other industries, such as agriculture and commercial machinery. Its precision components improve durability and efficiency in farming equipment, supporting American farmers and adding value beyond defense applications.

“Our Michigan operations are central to our U.S. growth strategy—not only in defense but across a range of markets where performance and reliability matter,” added Warnick. “From the battlefield to the heartland, we’re proud to support the industries that underpin national security and economic strength.”

The new facility is expected to reinforce industrial resilience by expanding domestic production capacity and enhancing supply chain security. It will also contribute to workforce development, offering highly competitive wages and benefits above regional averages, further strengthening the connection between economic vitality and national defense.

Auburn Hills was selected after a competitive evaluation of eight states, with support from the State of Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and local partners. Michigan’s concentration of engineering expertise and long tradition in defense and heavy manufacturing made it the ideal choice for this strategic investment.

The move follows American Rheinmetall’s recent acquisition of Loc Performance Products, another Michigan-based defense supplier, expanding the company’s ability to deliver integrated and scalable solutions across its U.S. defense portfolio.

About Rheinmetall in the U.S.

The Rheinmetall family of U.S. companies includes American Rheinmetall in Biddeford, ME, Lansing, MI, Lapeer, MI, Plymouth, MI, Sterling Heights, MI (HQ), St. Marys, OH, and Troy, MI, American Rheinmetall Munitions in Camden, AR, Vienna, VA (HQ), Windham, ME, and U.S. corporate parent American Rheinmetall Defense in Vienna, VA.

Media Contact:

Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Public Relations
Rheinmetall AG
Tel.: +49-(0)211 473 4748
oliver.hoffmann@
rheinmetall.com

SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG

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