A new source of jobs has been brought to Muhlenberg County, Ky., as U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announces that a new Trinitrotoluene, commonly known as TNT, production facility will be constructed. This will be the first domestic source of TNT since the 1980s.
The U.S. Army will award Repkon USA, a production plant company, with $435 million to build a TNT production facility in Graham, Ky. Senator McConnell played a significant role in securing funding for this facility.
According to Sen. McConnell’s official press release, “TNT is a critical explosive our military uses for artillery shells, bombs, grenades and other materials. The Muhlenberg County facility will utilize state-of-the-art technology, maximizing the use of automation and digitization and a novel waste neutralization process.”
While environmental concerns have historically been an issue with TNT production, Repkon USA president Ryan Van Brunt stated that this facility will be one of the most “environmentally friendly TNT plants ever constructed.”
In addition to providing the infrastructure and logistics to take on projects for our national defense, this project will also bring much-needed jobs to Muhlenberg County. Historically, Muhlenberg County was known for coal mining, but in February of 2024, the last remaining coal mine closed. Although the county has focused on bringing in manufacturing jobs to replace the lost coal mining jobs, the loss of the coal mining industry has been a major hit to their economy. It is for this reason that initiatives like this are such a blessing to Muhlenberg County communities. Muhlenberg County judge-executive pointed out that the new plant would bring in construction jobs as well as “high-quality permanent jobs.”
“This critical investment in Muhlenberg County will not only make a direct and positive economic impact on our community bringing in more than 50 jobs, but will also help to restore our military supply chains by producing TNT on American soil for the first time in decades. I am pleased to support this project and the partnership that is now formed between our Western Kentucky Community, the Army and Repkon USA,” stated Congressman Guthrie.
In addition to the boost this will provide to the Muhlenberg County economy, this initiative will greatly benefit the U.S. military. Major General John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition and Commanding General of Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, stated that “A domestic source of TNT is a crucial step in strengthening and building resilience in our Defense Industrial Base to ensure our armed forces have timely access to essential resources.”
The new TNT production facility promises both economic revitalization and military benefits. By creating over 50 jobs and securing a domestic TNT supply, this initiative supports U.S. defense needs while helping to boost the Muhlenberg County economy. Groundbreaking is expected to be within six months, with production beginning in three years.
