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US defence manufacturer SIG Sauer has announced it has achieved 100 million 6.8mm round annual capacity at its Jacksonville facilities in Arkansas in the United States.
SIG is pursuing a double output of 6.8mm rounds over the next few years to support the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon Program.
The company is reportedly activating automation and novel manufacturing techniques to increase ammunition production of 6.8mm as well as maintaining output of traditional 5.56mm, pistol calibre ammunition and 7.62mm rounds. It has also invested US$225 million in facilities and equipment since construction of the facility in 2017.
“Achieving 100 million rounds of 6.8mm ammunition capacity is a proud moment for SIG Sauer and our all-American workforce in Arkansas,” ammunition operations vice president Sean McGee said.
“Our 6.8mm ammunition, paired with the M7 and M250 rifles, delivers unmatched performance to meet the demands of today’s battlefield.
“We are honoured to lead the way in modernising small-arms technology and building the arsenal of the future.”
SIG Sauer’s M7 rifle and M250 automatic rifle recently received official Type Classification - Standard for the United States Army.
The Type Classification confirms the two weapon systems meet performance, safety and reliability standards for widespread military use by the US Army under the Project Manager Soldier Lethality.
A 10-year production contract had previously been awarded to the company in April 2022 to produce the weapon systems for the US Army and replace current platforms such as the M4A1 Carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon.
