Guided munitions’ production to get boost with US firm’s 4x more precision coatings capacity

A California-based defense technology company has announced a major expansion of its manufacturing capabilities with plans to open a new 80,000-square-foot facility in Philadelphia by the summer of 2027. Attalon’s investment is designed to significantly increase domestic production of advanced precision coatings and critical optical materials used in next-generation guided munitions and defense systems. Boosting Attalon’s precision coatings capacity The new manufacturing site will more than quadruple Attalon’s precision coatings capacity, helping address growing supply chain challenges facing the U.S. defense industry. According to the company, the facility will dedicate approximately 60,000 square feet to advanced manufacturing operations while also serving as its new corporate headquarters. Attalon plans to invest more than $30 million in the project and advanced production equipment over the next decade.The expansion comes amid increasing demand for precision-guided weapons, as governments seek to replenish stockpiles and strengthen domestic defense manufacturing. Advanced coatings play a vital role in improving the durability, performance, and survivability of missile components, including seeker assemblies and nose cones, making them essential for modern precision weapons.Beyond increasing coating production, Attalon will consolidate its U.S. crystal-growth operations at the new site. The company will manufacture key materials such as Potassium Nickel Sulfate (KNS), Calcium Fluoride (CaF₂), and specialized UV glass in-house. These materials are widely used in optical and infrared systems that support guided missiles and other advanced defense platforms. Sophisticated coating capabilities “Advanced coatings are foundational to how modern munitions perform, and demand for precise, durable, and repeatable coatings and materials is now outpacing supply,” said John Bergeron, Chief Executive Officer of Attalon. “This investment lets us scale our most sophisticated coating capabilities to meet that demand, pairing breakthrough performance with the production speed and U.S.-based manufacturing our customers need.”The project is also expected to deliver economic benefits to the region. The company estimates the facility will create more than 100 new jobs over the next decade, including approximately 65 positions during the initial phase of operations.Industry observers view the expansion as part of a broader effort to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base. Recent geopolitical tensions and sustained demand for precision-guided munitions have prompted defense manufacturers to invest in expanding production capacity and reducing dependence on overseas suppliers.With its expanded manufacturing footprint, Attalon aims to play a larger role in supplying the advanced coatings, optical components, and thermal technologies required for future missile systems and other mission-critical defense applications.With the Philadelphia facility expected to begin operations in 2027, Attalon aims to become one of the leading domestic suppliers of precision optical coatings and specialty optical materials. The investment is expected to enhance U.S. manufacturing resilience, create skilled jobs, and strengthen the country’s ability to support future generations of precision-guided weapons and advanced defense systems.Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Prabhat, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. While he enjoys writing on modern weapons and emerging tech, he has also reported on global politics and business. He has been previously associated with well-known media houses, including the International Business Times (Singapore Edition) and ANI.