- October 2, 2024
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An international military packaging company will make Palm Coast the home of its first U.S. manufacturing, production and testing facility.
The global company Astor Defence is currently the sole-source supplier of metal ammunition containers for the British Army and provides critical services for armed forces across the NATO alliance, including France, Germany, and Italy, a press release from Palm Coast said. The Palm Coast facility of Astor Defence’s U.S. branch — called Astor Defense USA — will be fully operational by January and will be located at 15 Hargrove Grade in Hargrove Industrial Park.
Astor Defense USA will produce a wide range of military packaging solutions, improving supply chain operations and meeting the evolving needs of its U.S. clients. The Palm Coast facility will streamline operations and provide “a one-stop solution for defense contractors,” the press release said.
This state-of-the-art facility represents a major expansion for the Astor Defense USA. The facility will bring new jobs, industry growth and enhanced business activity to Palm Coast.
Communications Director Brittany Kershaw said in an email to the Observer that the facility will initially bring 30 jobs to the community, six of which will be relocating with the company from England. Astor Defence is also pursuing additional contracts that will need additional staffing, if secured, she wrote.
According to available data, manufacturing jobs in Flagler County currently offer a salary of $65,944, Kershaw wrote.
“Astor Defence choosing Palm Coast for its first U.S. facility is a testament to our city’s business-friendly environment,” Mayor David Alfin said. “This development not only strengthens our local economy by creating new, high-paying jobs but also highlights Palm Coast as an emerging hub for advanced manufacturing.”