US-based specialty metals producer Metallus has commissioned a new bloom reheating furnace, roller hearth furnace and automated saw line to increase its production capacity for steel used in 155 mm artillery ammunition. The expansion project, which spans three of the company’s facilities in the Canton area, received $99.75 million in funding from the US Army and $3.5 million from JobsOhio.
The expansion is expected to create approximately 12 new jobs. The investment supports the US Army’s goal of producing 100,000 rounds of 155 mm artillery ammunition per month.
As part of the project, the bloom reheating furnace installed at the Faircrest facility measures 150 x 50 feet (approximately 45.7 x 15.2 meters). The new furnace is reportedly about twice the size of the existing bloom reheating furnace at the company’s Harrison facility.
Metallus already operates four roller hearth furnaces, while the newly installed unit is the company’s first roller hearth furnace equipped with an automated material handling system.
Strengthening supply chain resilience in the defense industry
US Army Program Executive Office Ammunition Project Manager Col. Alicia Johnson said that approximately 14% of Metallus’ more than 1,800 employees in the region are veterans or currently serving military personnel.
According to information included in the company’s February 2026 investor presentation, the US government has supplied more than 3 million artillery rounds to NATO allies since 2022.
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