Nearly $33 million is being invested in production and facility upgrades at Pine Bluff Arsenal, the Department of War announced Sept. 1.
A five-year project of nearly $19 million that began June 22 will modernize production of smoke grenades and smoke pots, while the Army has committed an additional $13.7 million in fiscal 2024 funding for facility renovations. New automated equipment and modernized fluidized-bed mixers are expected to raise capacity and safety; the arsenal is a key supplier of M18, M83 and M8 smoke grenades.
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman said the federal outlook for the arsenal is “very good,” and Sen. Tom Cotton said he helped secure the funds. The package is separate from other arsenal work previously disclosed by commander Col. Matthew Mason.
