Diehl Metall and Diehl Defence inaugurate new production line for 155mm artillery shell bodies in Röthenbach

For the project, which launched in June 2024, an existing production hall was converted on a brownfield basis across some 7,000 square meters. This enabled pilot-series production to begin in October 2026. The volume of investment lies in the mid double-digit millions of euros. The newly installed production infrastructure encompasses forming, welding, machining, surface treatment and testing technology. The heart of the facility comprises two new forging presses.

Partners combine their strengths along the entire process chain

In this project, Diehl Metall and Diehl Defence are pooling their manufacturing, technology and systems expertise. Diehl Metall produces the shell bodies for the DiNa round along the entire value chain, contributing its expertise in forging, materials technology and industrial series production. Diehl Defence defines the requirements for quality, functionality and system integration, and integrates the cases into downstream ammunition production. Modern traceability systems ensure complete quality documentation across the entire process chain.

Nammo, which had developed the DiNa round, complets the cooperation through technology transfer and production know-how. The joint venture ARGE DiNa 155mm (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Diehl-Nammo) is a trusting cooperation between Diehl and Nammo and has been in place since 2019 with the focus the German market.

Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence: "This project thrives on the collaboration between our companies. Diehl Metall, Diehl Defence and Nammo each contribute their respective strengths and share responsibility for delivery. What counts is the coordinated interaction of all partners – across the entire process chain."

The starting point for establishing the production line was an order placed in 2024 – the largest ever awarded in the field of artillery ammunition in the history of Diehl Defence. Existing framework agreements enable Germany and other partner nations to call off DiNa 155mm rounds as well as components for a complete ammunition round load.

New production creates career prospects for employees in Röthenbach

The new facility opens up a professional future at the location for the majority of employees previously working in synchronizer-ring production. They are being qualified for their new roles and supplemented by additional skilled personnel. At the same time, existing production capacities continue to be used.

Dr. Alexander Diehl, CEO of Diehl Metal Forgings (Diehl Metall): "We shape industrial change by building on our strengths while forging new paths. The knowledge and experience of our employees provide the foundation for this. With this project we are opening a new chapter for the Röthenbach location and creating prospects for its continued development."

Morten Brandtzæg, President & CEO, Nammo AS: “Delivering the defence capabilities needed for Europe requires a strong defence industrial base and close cooperation across industry. We are proud to support this project and our partnership with Diehl, contributing to increased production capacity and supply security for our customers and allied nations.”

Additional capacity strengthens European supply security

By pooling manufacturing, technology and systems expertise within the Diehl Group, additional capacity is being created for defence-relevant products in Germany. The production line strengthens the industrial base of the European defence industry and contributes to the supply security of the Bundeswehr and of allied NATO nations.

About Diehl Metall:

Diehl Metall is a subsidiary of the Diehl Group, founded in 1902 (revenue: approximately 5.4 billion euros; employees: 19,449 in 2025), and is headquartered in Röthenbach a.d. Pegnitz near Nuremberg. The company offers a broad spectrum of forward-looking products and technologies in the field of metal processing. Through a global production network with locations in Europe, Asia, South America, and the U.S., the technology company develops application-oriented solutions for international customers.

About Diehl Defence:

Diehl Defence is a leading systems provider for air defense systems and a reliable partner to German and international armed forces. In addition to ground-based air defense, its product portfolio includes guided missiles for all branches of the military, ammunition for the Army, Air Force, and Navy, as well as protection systems. In addition, the company develops and manufactures key components such as infrared modules, fuses, and specialty batteries. Diehl Defence employs more than 6,000 people across its various locations and most recently generated revenue of over 2.5 billion euros.