Winchester Ammunition announced late last month that it has been selected by the U.S. Army as the second-source provider for small-caliber ammunition. The contract is for 5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO and .50 BMG cartridges. The initial order is $37 million under what is the third consecutive second-source contract with the branch for the company.
“Winning this contract, combined with being selected as the operating contractor at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, solidifies Winchester’s position supplying small caliber ammunition to the U.S. military,” said Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester.
“Winchester has proven time and again that we can meet and exceed the exacting standards required by our military customers,” said Kevin Noonan, director of military programs and strategy. “The reason you see Winchester continue to win these contracts is because we are delivering quality, cost-effective products on time.”
Last October, the company took over management of the U.S. Army’s Lake City Ammunition Plant, replacing Northrop Grumman. The 3,935-acre Independence, MO, facility produces nearly 2 billion cartridges annually. On Oct. 13, the first truckloads of 5.56 NATO and .50 BMG cartridges produced under Winchester’s watch rolled out of the historic factory.
“This is an important milestone for Winchester, our first shipment to the U.S. government after just assuming management and operational control of Lake City,” Flaugher, said at the time. “Our ability to execute through this transition process and make our first delivery within two weeks is a testament to our dedicated work force.”
Winchester is the world’s largest small-caliber ammunition enterprise and continues to deliver ammunition products to hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement and the U.S. warfighter. The 155-year-old brand is an acknowledged leader in the industry and its tradition of dedication to innovation is reflected in SAAMI’s acceptance of the company’s new 6.8 Western cartridge late last year.
