American Rheinmetall expands U.S. Tier 1 manufacturing network supporting missile structures and major military modernization programs
American Rheinmetall is positioning its U.S. Tier 1 manufacturing network to support rising demand for precision components used in critical defense systems. The company highlighted missile body structures as one area where its domestic facilities provide advanced metal forming, machining and finishing capabilities.
The missile structures require tight manufacturing tolerances and must withstand demanding operational environments, according to the company. American Rheinmetall said its manufacturing teams are delivering at the speed and volume required by the U.S. Department of War.
The manufacturing network forms part of a broader U.S. industrial operation spanning six facilities in Michigan, Ohio and Maine. American Rheinmetall operates more than 1.7 million square feet of manufacturing space and employs more than 1,500 people.
The workforce supports fabrication, machining, assembly and welding activities for defense and commercial customers. The company said its facilities also retain significant capacity for future expansion.
Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, American Rheinmetall designs, develops and produces tracked and wheeled military vehicles and components. It operates as both a full-service original equipment manufacturer and a Tier 1 supplier to the U.S. defense sector.
Its portfolio includes vehicle systems, mechanical systems, ground-vehicle electronics, ISR platforms and soldier lethality technologies. The company also supplies short-range air defense solutions, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber products and track systems.
American Rheinmetall’s U.S. industrial footprint expanded significantly after Rheinmetall AG acquired Loc Performance Products in late 2024. The Michigan and Ohio-based business supplied track and mechanical systems, fabricated structures and precision-machined components to defense, industrial and commercial customers.
Loc Performance Products now operates under the American Rheinmetall name, with its legacy products and capabilities incorporated into the wider business. Rheinmetall said the acquisition would directly support the growth of its U.S. military vehicle operations.
American Rheinmetall Systems also began operating under the unified American Rheinmetall name in 2025. The Biddeford, Maine-based operation focuses on next-generation lethality, fire control, vision systems and short-range air defense technologies.
The company said the unified structure is intended to streamline operations and improve collaboration across its U.S. businesses. American Rheinmetall continues to supply the U.S. government, major defense prime contractors and customers in several commercial industries.
Its U.S. strategy combines domestic manufacturing capacity with access to Rheinmetall’s wider vehicle and electronics portfolios. American Rheinmetall said that approach allows it to adapt and integrate established platforms for specific U.S. military requirements.
