Astor Defence Picks Palm Coast for First U.S. Facility

Astor Defence, the sole source supplier of metal ammunition containers for the British Army and provider of services for armed forces in the NATO alliance, including France, Germany, and Italy, has chosen Palm Coast as the site of its first U.S. manufacturing, production, and testing facility, according to a city media release. The planned state-of-the-art facility represents a major expansion for the company, and the city stands to benefit from the economic opportunities it brings, including new jobs, industry growth, and enhanced business activity.

“Astor Defence choosing Palm Coast for its first U.S. facility is a testament to our city’s business-friendly environment,” said Mayor David Alfin in the release. “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. We are proud to welcome Astor Defense USA to our community and look forward to the positive impact they will bring.”

Palm Coast Economic Development Manager Craig McKinney said the announcement helps diversify the city’s economy.

Astor Defence is the undisputed global leader in military packaging solutions,” he said. “Their selection of Palm Coast for their first U.S. manufacturing facility perfectly aligns with the city’s strategic vision for our targeted industries and adds to our manufacturing base. We look forward to welcoming a company that is an exemplar of excellence and to helping them grow.”

Astor Defence officials were impressed with Palm Coast as a potential location for the new facility.

“We are extremely excited about this latest chapter in our expansion plans,” said Henry Turnbull, managing director of Astor Defence, in the release. “Florida is highly supportive of the defense industry, and many of our existing clients are based here, so it is an obvious choice of location. Everybody in Palm Coast has been very welcoming and friendly—from the City Government to our new landlord and the utility companies. They have all been so accommodating and helpful. It seems like a great place for us to be based.”

 The company’s arrival in Palm Coast comes on the heels of global recognition, including two 2024 Army Technology Excellence Awards for Investments and Business Expansion and also being awarded “Military Packaging Company of the Year in Europe 2024” by Aerospace & Defense Review, the release states.

The company is expected to be fully operational by January 2025 in the Hargrove Industrial Park.