Global Power Made in America: Northrop Grumman Makes it in West Virginia
Allegany Ballistics Laboratory Campus, Rocket Center, WV
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, the Naval Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) serves as a critical pillar of American defense readiness. With its origins dating back to World War II, ABL not only meets current demands but also paves the way for future technologies.
Rocket Propellant Synthesis and Mixing Facility, Rocket Center, WV
Powering the Fight: Producing Tactical Rocket Motors. ABL is home to the nation’s tactical solid rocket motors, vital for precision, range, and lethality in various missile systems. These propulsion systems are essential components supporting some of the military’s most relied-upon weapons, continuously evolving to face new threats.
Manufacturing Strength, Local Impact. Northrop Grumman manufactures and provides advanced defense solutions right here in America, positively impacting the local communities in which it operates. ABL currently employs over 1,700 people and collaborates with more than 35 supplier partners, supporting over 4,500 jobs statewide and generating over $1.5 billion in economic activity.
Committed to Innovation: Investing in ABL. Since 2018, Northrop Grumman has devoted millions to expanding and modernizing ABL, including the recent opening of Plant 4, a cutting-edge 113,000 square-foot manufacturing facility. This facility is designed for speed, scalability, and precision, enhancing ABL’s capacity by an additional 300 strike missiles per year while improving lead times and quality assurance throughout the manufacturing process.
Rethinking How We Build: Investing in Munitions Accelerations. Northrop Grumman has committed $2 billion to expedite the munitions manufacturing process, particularly by innovating the production of 155 mm artillery shells. These advancements are expected to enable the manufacturing of up to 150,000 rounds annually at a reduced unit cost, fundamentally altering how ammunition is produced for the U.S. military.
Munitions Manufacturing, Rocket Center, WV
Advancing Energetics and Propulsion: Faster, Smarter, More Capable. Through the Accelerated Development of Advanced Propulsion Technology (ADAPT) program, Northrop Grumman is modernizing rocket motor production by enhancing additive manufacturing and exploring advanced materials. This initiative, alongside the Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator program, aims to reduce production lead times and improve the efficiency of motor designs.
With a tradition of innovation and a commitment to leading-edge capabilities, ABL is driving the next generation of American defense from the heart of West Virginia to the global battlefield. Northrop Grumman boasts nearly 100,000 employees and over 30 million square feet of manufacturing space—equating to over 500 football fields—providing the ability to rapidly innovate in defense technology. The company’s investments in U.S. infrastructure, research and development, workforce, and supply chain are essential for fulfilling today’s and tomorrow’s national security requirements.
As a leading global aerospace and defense technology provider, Northrop Grumman is committed to equipping customers with the capabilities required to safeguard and connect the world while pushing the boundaries of human exploration. Our dedicated team continually strives to tackle the industry’s toughest challenges, defining what is possible every day.
Source: Northrop Grumman (2026-05-05T15:01:00Z)
