MT Magazine March/April 2025

LAMARKABLES

MARCH/APRIL 2025

35

Workforce Development and Manufacturing in National Defense AMT members and IMTS exhibitors had a robust presence at SHOT Show 2025, highlighting the increasing overlap between commercial firearms manufacturing and defense applications. As the U.S. Department of Defense expands its industrial base, the manufacturing sector has a pivotal role to play. Rear Admiral Todd S. Weeks emphasized this connection during his IMTS 2024 presentation, where he outlined the Navy's ambitious plan to build one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually. Achieving this goal requires a massive expansion of the skilled workforce and a surge in manufacturing capacity. The Navy is actively seeking partnerships with small and medium-sized manufacturers, providing new opportunities for businesses traditionally outside the defense sector. The Navy’s push for increased manufacturing capacity is complemented by workforce development initiatives, such as the Advanced Training and Defense Manufacturing initiative and the Buildsubmarines.com program. These efforts aim to train a new generation of skilled workers in additive manufacturing, CNC machining, metrology, non-destructive testing, and welding – core competencies essential to both the small arms and defense industries.

The Takeaway From AM suppressor production to MIM’s rediscovery and workholding’s increased complexity, manufacturing technology is rapidly reshaping the firearms industry, and the SHOT Show serves as a critical hub for innovation and collaboration. Industry leaders like 5th Axis, Sandvik, Royal Products, Acme Manufacturing, Renishaw, Blaser Swisslube, Haimer, Rego-Fix, Schunk, and Horn exhibit there, reinforcing the importance of manufacturing to both commercial and defense applications. And as national defense priorities shift, the U.S. Navy's call for expanded manufacturing capabilities presents

a significant opportunity for companies looking to enter or expand within the defense sector. Manufacturers that embrace innovation to take advantage of such opportunities will be well positioned for long-term success. And those that don’t? They may find themselves buried under a pile of hot brass.

If you have any questions about this information, please contact Stephen at slamarca@AMTonline. org. For more LaMarkable content, stream “Road Trippin’ with Steve” now at IMTS.com/RTWS.