Northrop Grumman Launches Rocket Motor Production at Modernized Tactical Motor Manufacturing Facility

Northrop Grumman aims to meet increased demand for rocket motors across military services with a new plant in West Virginia.

March 5, 2019

Courtney E. Howard

Northrop Grumman Corp. has started producing rocket motors at its new, modernized tactical motor manufacturing facility at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) in West Virginia.

The new plant is intended to help meet increased demand across U.S. military services for rocket motors, including insensitive munitions rocket motors for the U.S. Army.

“We’ve created a flexible and efficient production line that leverages lean manufacturing techniques and will help lower production costs,” as well as enhance safety, says Pat Nolan, vice president of missile products at Northrop Grumman.

Courtney E. Howard is editorial director and content strategist at SAE International. Contact her by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..