Exclusive Interview with the CEO of MSM North America
MSM North America, a subsidiary of the global Czechoslovak Group (CSG), recently won a major contract from the US Army to design, build, and commission the most advanced large-caliber ammunition filling facility in North America. The contract for the Future Artillery Complex (FAC) will be built on the grounds of the Army Ammunition Plant in Iowa. In connection with this event, we asked Jason W. Gaines, CEO of MSM North America, for an interview.
What is the main added value of the new facility for the U.S. Army and the defense industry in the United States?
FLEXIBILITY, SCALABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY. The Future Artillery Complex (FAC) will provide the U.S. Army with an entirely new level of self-sufficiency and flexibility. It will be the most advanced facility of its kind in the world and will significantly increase the ability to rapidly scale up ammunition production as needed. This will strengthen the resilience of the U.S. defense industry and contribute to long-term supply stability not only for the U.S. Army but also for its allies.
How will the new facility differ from the existing large-caliber ammunition filling lines in North America?
Most current U.S. Army-owned ammunition production facilities were built during World War II and still operate with decades-old technologies. In contrast, the FAC will feature highly automated processes, digital supervisory systems (SCADA – Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and the ability to seamlessly transition between different ammunition types and explosive fills. This will deliver greater safety, efficiency, flexibility, and quality.
Which specific technologies or innovations do you consider the most important part of the project?
The key innovation is the combination of the melt-cast process, advanced robotics, and the integrated SCADA system. Together, these ensure operator safety, consistent product quality, and the ability to flexibly adapt to changing requirements. Equally important is the facility’s modularity, which allows it to operate both at peak capacity and at minimum sustaining rate (MSR) economically.
How did the selection process take place, and what was decisive in MSM North America winning this contract?
The Army evaluated several potential solutions through a market survey. Our response was assessed as the most complete and lowest-risk option. The decisive factors were our proven technological approach, the strength of our experienced team, and the backing of Czechoslovak Group (CSG), which provided both technical expertise and the confidence of a stable global partner.
What are the main requirements of the U.S. Army for this type of facility?
The primary requirement is to load 36,000 155mm M795 artillery projectiles per month in full compliance with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) safety and environmental requirements. The facility must be designed for safety, scalability, affordability, and flexibility-capable of producing various types of 155mm rounds and rapidly scaling output when required. Equally, it must remain economically sustainable during periods of lower demand. As emphasized, there is also a strong focus on meeting OSHA and DoD safety standards, as well as environmental requirements set by the EPA and DDESB.
How do you perceive the significance of this project in the context of cooperation between CSG and the U.S. Armed Forces?
This is a historic milestone – it is the first time that a European group has won such a contract in the field of large-caliber ammunition for the U.S. Army. It shows that CSG is a respected partner and that transatlantic defense cooperation is strong and mutually beneficial. Additionally, this achievement demonstrates the value of a privately held company like CSG who is willing to invest and act decisively to rapidly respond to U.S. Army requirements.
What role will your company play within CSG’s broader strategy in the U.S. market?
MSM North America is CSG’s flagship in the United States. The FAC demonstrates our ability to deliver key strategic projects by combining European expertise with established U.S. industry partners. Our ambition is to strengthen the U.S. munitions industrial base over the long term and to expand our presence through investments, partnerships, and leveraging our core strengths in ammunition design, production and delivery.
How does MSM North America’s approach differ from that of other players operating in the U.S.?
Our approach is different because we do not focus on bringing European technology and products to the U.S. market. Instead, we focus on establishing U.S. based capabilities to deliver U.S.-made products to both the DoD and allied partners abroad. CSG and MSM North America are investing directly into U.S. production and partnerships, while drawing on the full capabilities of the global CSG holding, which spans the entire ammunition supply chain. This ensures long-term resilience and sustainability, blending European defense experience with a strong American team and leading U.S. industry partners.
Do you plan to expand production or offerings beyond 155mm ammunition filling in the future?
Yes, while the FAC will remain our principal focus, we are also looking beyond it. Our goal is to support the U.S. DoD across the full spectrum of ammunition and related markets, with a strong emphasis on strengthening the U.S. munitions industrial base. We intend to grow through targeted investments, partnerships with leading U.S. firms, and strategic acquisitions that expand and diversify our capabilities.
How will you address the environmental aspects of operations, such as handling chemical substances?
The FAC will fully comply with the strictest U.S. and international standards, including OSHA, (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), the DoD (Department of Defense), approval by the DDESB (Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) requirements. Every step of the design prioritizes worker safety and environmental protection, with special attention to handling energetic materials and chemical substances.
Where do you see MSM North America in five years?
In five years, the FAC will be fully operational, and MSM North America will be an established, trusted partner of the U.S. Army. We anticipate significant team growth in the U.S. and an expanded portfolio that goes well beyond the current project.
In your view, what is the biggest trend in ammunition and its production that companies like CSG must prepare for?
The biggest trend is combining high production capacity with maximum flexibility and automation. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for modern defense manufacturing. The present conflict in Ukraine underscores the need for a resilient industrial base, one that can rapidly scale to meet battlefield demands while remaining flexible enough to pivot between products and capabilities. Key enablers will include digitalization, robotics, novel production methods, and the use of data to optimize the entire production process.
