Rheinmetall has made a strategic move by acquiring Muni Berka, a company based in Südharz, aiming to enhance its ammunition storage and handling capabilities amid an increase in defense production throughout Germany. This acquisition enables Rheinmetall to gain immediate access to two additional operational sites located in Dietersdorf, Saxony-Anhalt, and Ochtrup, North Rhine-Westphalia. The integration of these sites is expected to be seamless, with minimal delays and no significant additional investment required.
Muni Berka brings valuable expertise to Rheinmetall, particularly in the areas of ammunition disassembly and the recycling of explosives, as well as research and development for incendiary solutions. This acquisition responds to the growing demand for ammunition and components, with Rheinmetall preparing to scale its production to an impressive capacity of up to 1.5 million artillery projectiles annually by 2030.
While the purchase price has not been disclosed, the acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval. The expanded infrastructure from Muni Berka will allow Rheinmetall to store crucial raw materials like explosives alongside finished components, including projectiles, fuzes, primers, and propellant modules, with sufficient capacity for over one million 155-millimeter projectiles.
In tandem with this expansion, Rheinmetall is also focusing on its newly established factory in Unterlüß, Lower Saxony, which aims to produce up to 350,000 artillery shells each year. The strategic acquisition complements Rheinmetall’s existing operations in Spain, where the company manages seven facilities after acquiring Madrid-based Expal Munitions.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger emphasized the importance of this acquisition in securing Germany’s strategic sovereignty over ammunition production. He stated that the company will primarily focus on ensuring a stable supply for the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces. By significantly expanding storage capacities, Rheinmetall is committing to bolstering the security and defense capabilities of both Germany and its partner nations.
