On December 12, 2023, the United States Army announced that BAE Systems will continue as the operating contractor of HSAAP for at least the next 10 years. This brings the company’s legacy to 35 years of stewardship.
BAE Systems has been working with the Army on continuous modernization projects at HSAAP. It is vital to modernize World War II era facilities to maintain readiness, improve the facility’s safety for the operator, expand production capacity, and to improve the facility’s environmental footprint. BAE Systems and the United States Army remain committed to modernizing the facility for the sustainment of the current and future mission.
In the beginning of 2023, HSAAP celebrated the completion of a new natural gas-fired steam facility in 2022. The facility replaced the coal-fired steam plant which has significantly reduced the facility’s carbon footprint. Recent calculations have shown an approximate 45% reduction in CO2 emissions due to the new gas-fired steam facility coming online. This modernized facility has positively impacted the site, environment, and surrounding communities during its first full year of operation.
A significant modernization project of note is the Weak Acetic Acid Recovery Process (WAARP) which has an estimated completion date of fall of 2024. WAARP allows for expanded capability to recover spent acid and recycle it back for use in production, resulting in less waste in the HSAAP manufacturing process.
Two additional capabilities expansion projects are expected to be complete in the next 18 months. The new Nitration facility, which commenced in January 2022, will allow for increased production capabilities and a more efficient production process, with an estimated completion date of summer of 2025. These programs will round out the Army’s $1B+ investment to modernize the Holston Army Ammunition Plant.
BAE Systems is proud to continue our partnership with the Army as the operator of HSAAP. Ongoing modernization efforts will ensure that HSAAP continues to serve its mission of manufacturing explosives for the warfighter, and ensuring the United States and our allies are ready through safe, reliable, environmentally-conscious advancements. As the heartbeat of the organic industrial base, the team members and members of the Kingsport community at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant remain committed to supporting the men and women in uniform.
If you’d like to learn more, please reach out to Laura Clifford at laura.clifford@baesystems.us