FRANKFORT, Ky. — On Friday, the U.S. Army announced a substantial $435 million contract aimed at constructing a TNT production facility in western Kentucky, marking the first establishment of domestic TNT production in several decades, according to officials.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, an influential figure in facilitating this funding, emphasized that the new plant located in his home area is part of a larger initiative to enhance the U.S. defense industry. The goal is to better deter foreign threats. Trinitrotoluene, commonly known as TNT, is predominantly used in military equipment such as artillery shells, bombs, and grenades.
The Army highlighted that having a local source of TNT is crucial for national security, given that the current supply chain is completely dependent on international suppliers. The establishment of this facility in Kentucky aligns with the Army’s strategy to boost munitions production, ensuring that the U.S. military has immediate access to necessary materials, noted Maj. Gen. John T. Reim.
“It is not lost on us that victory on the battlefield begins in our production facilities,” Reim stated during an event at a VFW post close to the future plant site. “Today marks the beginning of the return of TNT production to American soil, a capability we have not had since 1986.”
The contract has been awarded to Repkon USA for the plant’s construction in Graham, located in Muhlenberg County, approximately 136 miles (219 kilometers) southwest of Louisville. The new project is projected to generate around 200 to 250 jobs during the construction phase, along with about 50 permanent positions once the facility is operational.
U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, a Republican and former artillery officer, pointed out that the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia highlights the critical need for a steady supply of explosive materials for artillery. He noted that TNT constitutes the primary explosive used in 155mm artillery shells, which the Army relies on heavily.
“It’s an artillery battle that’s going on and Ukraine and the West do not have as much 155mm artillery rounds as Russia can produce,” Guthrie stated, emphasizing the importance of domestic production.
Bryan Van Brunt, president of Repkon USA Holdings Inc., described the opportunity to build the production facility as “historic.” He reiterated its significance for military readiness and mentioned the long-term reliance on it.
Expressing gratitude to military leaders for their confidence in realizing this facility, he remarked in a recent news release, “We are grateful to leaders at the Army for their trust in us to establish this facility.”
As McConnell nears the end of his long leadership in the Senate, he has underscored the necessity of strengthening national defenses to counter international threats. Approaching the final two years of his term, McConnell indicated plans to step down from his leadership role following upcoming elections.
“We’re up against a network of authoritarian regimes,” McConnell asserted on Friday. “North Korea, China, Russia, Iran, and Iran’s proxies are all communicating with each other. They hate us, and they want to reform the world order in a way that benefits autocratic regimes.”
McConnell regularly references Ronald Reagan’s principle of “peace through strength” as a means to address the challenges of foreign policy. This week, the ideological divide among Republicans has become evident, particularly regarding Trump’s “America First” stance versus McConnell’s advocacy for maintaining strong ties with American allies globally. Despite the differences, McConnell remains a proponent of U.S. support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.
“If the Russians are not defeated in Ukraine, that won’t be the last loss,” McConnell warned. “That will be just the beginning. This is essentially an emerging conflict between authoritarian and democratic nations.”