The new American Rheinmetall leadership team walks the Loc Performance factory after the acquisition. From left: CEO Matthew Warnick, CFO Jackson Richardson, and COO Jason Atkinson.
In a significant step forward for the U.S. defense industrial base, Rheinmetall has completed the acquisition of Loc Performance, which counts among its impressive advanced manufacturing capabilities market leadership in advanced track and suspension systems for combat vehicles. This strategic acquisition bolsters the company’s position as a premier tier-one Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the combat vehicle domain and a highly preferred supplier of critical components while reinforcing its commitment to supporting the modernization needs of the U.S. armed forces.
Expanding Expertise in Combat Vehicle Systems
Loc has earned a reputation for engineering excellence, specializing in mobility solutions for some of the world’s most advanced combat vehicles. By integrating Loc’s proven capabilities into its portfolio, American Rheinmetall significantly enhances its ability to deliver next-generation combat vehicle platforms with exceptional mobility, survivability, and lethality. This acquisition further positions American Rheinmetall as a comprehensive systems integrator capable of delivering superior solutions across the full spectrum of combat vehicle design and production.
As Matt Warnick, CEO at American Rheinmetall explained in an interview with Breaking Defense, “The purpose of the acquisition is to strengthen Rheinmetall’s position in the U.S. market, and we do that in many ways. First and foremost, we pick up almost two million square feet of manufacturing space, but more importantly than that, is the approximately 1,000 employees that we get to add to our bench that are used to manufacturing components and parts, all the way up to combat vehicles.”
Strengthening the U.S. Defense Industrial Base
As the defense industry addresses the mandate to modernize in an era of renewed great power competition, strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base has become a national imperative. The acquisition of Loc underscores American Rheinmetall’s commitment to doing its part, including fostering innovation, expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and excellence, and creating corresponding high-quality jobs across the United States.
Loc’s manufacturing footprint and engineering expertise align seamlessly with American Rheinmetall’s mission to deliver world-class products engineered and built in America. Together, the companies will drive advancements in combat vehicle performance while ensuring the U.S. maintains its technological edge on the battlefield.
Delivering on Modernization Priorities
American Rheinmetall’s growing capabilities position the company to play an integral role in key modernization programs, including the U.S. Army’s XM30 Combat Vehicle program. By combining Rheinmetall’s technological leadership with Loc’s mobility innovations, American Rheinmetall is uniquely equipped to meet the Army’s demand for highly capable, survivable, and maintainable platforms.
Innovation for a New Era of Combat Vehicles
The acquisition also reflects American Rheinmetall’s commitment to innovation. Loc Performance’s expertise in advanced manufacturing processes and cutting-edge mobility solutions complements American Rheinmetall’s focus on modular open systems architecture (MOSA) and digital engineering. Together, these capabilities will shape the future of combat vehicles, enabling the rapid adaptation of new technologies to meet evolving threats.
A Shared Vision for Customer-Focused Excellence
Both American Rheinmetall and Loc share a dedication to excellence, innovation, and partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. This acquisition is more than a business transaction; it’s a unification of two industry leaders with a shared vision of enhancing the readiness and capability of the U.S. military.
Looking Ahead
The integration of Loc into American Rheinmetall marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both companies. Together, they will accelerate innovation, strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base, and deliver unmatched capabilities to America’s Warfighters.
American Rheinmetall remains committed to building the next generation of combat vehicles in America, for America, ensuring our armed forces remain ready to meet any challenge—today and tomorrow.