MUHLENBERG COUNTY, KY – At a recent press conference, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the U.S. Army will award Repkon USA $435,000,000 to construct a Trinitrotoluene (TNT) production facility in Graham, Kentucky, the first domestic source of TNT in the United States since the 1980s.
Senator McConnell was instrumental in securing this investment, a top strategic priority for the U.S. Army, through his work to shepherd the FY 2024 National Security Supplemental to Senate passage.
Senator McConnell was joined by U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Repkon USA, Army officials, and County Judge-Executive Mack McGehee for the announcement in Muhlenberg County.
TNT is a critical explosive our military uses for artillery shells, bombs, grenades, and other materiel. The Muhlenberg County facility will utilize state-of-the-art technology, maximizing the use of automation and digitization, and a novel waste neutralization process.
“For the first time in decades, America will produce TNT on its own soil, manufacturing the explosive material our military uses for everything from hand grenades to 155mm artillery. I’m proud that the National Security Supplemental I championed in the Senate will bring home $435 million in federal funding to establish this TNT capability right here in Kentucky, helping retool the defense industrial base our military relies on. Through this partnership with the Army and Repkon USA, our state is proving once again that we have the infrastructure, workforce, and logistics edge to take on projects critical to our national defense,” said Senator Mitch McConnell. “Working alongside Congressman Guthrie and CJE McGehee, I will continue to ensure Western Kentucky always punches above its weight.”
“I was proud to support today’s announcement of a significant military investment in Muhlenberg County led by Leader McConnell and joined by Repkon USA President Bryan Van Brunt, Muhlenberg County Judge-Executive Mack McGehee, and Department of Defense officials. This critical investment in Muhlenberg County will not only make a direct and positive economic impact on our community bringing in more than 50 jobs, but will also help to reshore our military supply chains by producing TNT on American soil for the first time in decades. I am pleased to support this project and the partnership that is now formed between our Western Kentucky Community, the Army and Repkon USA,” said Congressman Guthrie.
“Today marks the beginning of the return of TNT production to American soil, a capability we have not had since 1986. This history making initiative underscores our commitment to strengthening our national security and reducing reliance on foreign sources for critical materials. A domestic source of TNT is a crucial step in strengthening and building resilience in our Defense Industrial Base to ensure our armed forces have timely access to essential resources,” said Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition and Commanding General of Picatinny Arsenal located in New Jersey. “I would like to thank Senator McConnell and fellow members of Congress for placing their trust and confidence in the Army and the men and women of Picatinny Arsenal who work tirelessly to support the Warfighter. The authorities and resourcing entrusted to us is clearly reenergizing the defense industrial base and is enabling our efforts to rebuild the Arsenal of Democracy and we look forward to the continued partnership with Repkon USA and the great people from Kentucky in making this new facility a reality.”
“Repkon USA is honored to perform this project for the US Army. This is a historic opportunity to build a brand new domestic capability that is vital to our military services and will be used for decades to come. We are grateful to leaders at the Army for their trust in us to establish this facility, and to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for his steadfast leadership and advocacy on behalf of our nation's military, without which we would not be here today,” said Bryan Van Brunt, President, Repkon USA Holdings, Inc.
“Muhlenberg County is excited that a high caliber company such as Repkon USA is building a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility here in Graham KY. This project will be a huge boost to our local economy by bringing construction jobs and high-quality permanent jobs. I want to thank Senator Mitch McConnell for his diligence in bringing this industry to Muhlenberg County. Without Senator McConnell’s influence, this multi-million-dollar project would not have come to Muhlenberg County! Thank you, Senator!” said Muhlenberg County Judge-Executive Mack McGehee.
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