Golden Triangle Media.com March 30, 2006
Army ammo plant to get more work
By Larry Kershner
Gen. Benjamin Griffin toured the grounds of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown yesterday and said he was satisfied with the workforce and noted that more work is heading the plant's way.
As a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC), which was implemented in December 2005, work from at least two other ammo plants will be brought to the Iowa facility.
Griffin, along with Brigadier General Jim Rogers, who commands the Rock Island Arsenal, in Rock Island, Ill., said that detonators from the Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant, located near Texarkana, Texas; and artillery contracts from Kansas Army Ammunition Plant, located near Parsons, Kan.
Griffin added that it remains unclear if the new work will lead to new jobs at the plant, which boasts a workforce of about 900 people.
As a result of the BRAC decisions, the plant will be accepting additional gear and equipment. The Army is deciding what are the plant's current capabilities in accepting additional equipment.
Griffin assumed the duties of commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command on Nov. 5, 2004. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Department of the Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8.
When asked if the decisions will affect any upgrades to the physical plant and buildings, Griffin said those decisions are being made, but nothing has been determined as of yesterday. According to the globalsecurity.org website, the plant has 4.3 million square feet of manufacturing and warehousing space.
The Army has until 2011 to fulfill the obligations of BRAC, Griffin said.
Griffin was also complimentary towards the workforce. He said part of his visit yesterday was to thank the employees for the work they are doing.
"Our number one priority is supporting our war-fighters," Griffin said.
Gen Rogers said U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq have the weapons and ammunition they need, and the plant's mission is "to back-fill those supplies as needed, as well as meet training needs."
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