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The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced a significant investment aimed at strengthening the U.S. defense production sector. Today, the DoD awarded $15 million to Lehigh Heavy Forge, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Defense Production Act Investments (DPAI) program provides the money for this project. The investment will enhance Lehigh Heavy Forge’s production capacity and modernise its equipment.
Upgrades to Equipment
The $15 million award will finance critical upgrades to Lehigh Heavy Forge’s press equipment. The company will receive a new forging manipulator, which will improve the capabilities of its 10,000-ton open die forging press. Additionally, the funding will enhance heat treatment furnaces and implement an automated ultrasonic forging testing program.
These upgrades are essential for ensuring that the equipment meets modern manufacturing standards. They will help Lehigh Heavy Forge increase its production efficiency and output quality. This is crucial, as heavy forgings play a vital role in many defense applications.
Supporting National Defense Strategy
This investment aligns with the 2024 National Defense Industrial Strategy. The strategy aims to expand domestic production capabilities and increase supply chain resilience. By supporting U.S. manufacturers like Lehigh Heavy Forge, the DoD is working to secure critical resources within the country. This approach reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, which can be unreliable during crises.
“Heavy forging production is needed across many critical defense applications,” said Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. “This award helps address the many capacity challenges faced by the U.S. heavy forge industry resulting from aging equipment and facilities.”
Importance of Heavy Forgings
Heavy forgings are essential components used in various military applications. They are crucial for constructing hulls for submarines, including the Virginia and Columbia class submarines. These forgings are also vital for ship shafting in several naval vessels, including Arleigh Burke destroyers, San Antonio amphibious transport docks, and Ford aircraft carriers.
The upgrades funded by this award will enhance the capability of Lehigh Heavy Forge to produce these critical components. This will ensure that the U.S. military has reliable access to the materials it needs to maintain its fleet.
Strengthening Domestic Production
The investment in Lehigh Heavy Forge is part of a broader effort to restore, modernize, and expand domestic production capabilities. Mr. Anthony Di Stasio, the Director of the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) directorate, emphasized this point. He stated, “By restoring, modernizing, and expanding domestic production capability, this award will improve Lehigh Heavy Forge’s ability to reliably and efficiently serve the needs of both the DoD and commercial industry as a merchant supplier of heavy forgings.”
This commitment to boosting domestic production is critical for national security. By ensuring that key defense components are manufactured in the U.S., the DoD can better safeguard against supply chain disruptions. This investment will help create jobs in the manufacturing sector and support local economies.
Ongoing Support for Manufacturers
This award is part of a larger trend. The DPAI program has made a total of 61 awards since the beginning of fiscal year 2024. These awards span multiple areas and total $617 million. The DPAI program is overseen by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD(IBP)).
The continued support for U.S. manufacturers through the DPAI program reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the defense industrial base. These investments are vital for maintaining military readiness and ensuring that the U.S. can respond effectively to global challenges.
Way Forward
The $15 million investment in Lehigh Heavy Forge marks a significant step forward in enhancing U.S. defense production capabilities. With upgraded equipment and increased production capacity, Lehigh Heavy Forge will play a critical role in supplying essential components for the military. This investment not only strengthens national security but also fosters a resilient domestic manufacturing base. By ensuring that the U.S. can meet its defense needs for years to come.
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