((Automated translation by Reuters using machine learning and generative AI, please refer to the following disclaimer: https://bit.ly/rtrsauto)) (Added response from L3Harris; paragraph 7) by Kalea Hall
General Motors GM.N and defense group Lockheed Martin LMT.N are collaborating on projects to strengthen the U.S. industrial base in manufacturing and defense, the two companies announced Tuesday.
GM Defense, the automaker’s defense division, and Lockheed said the U.S. Department of Defense facilitated their partnership due to growing demand for additional production capacity.
The companies did not specify specific projects in their statement, but said they would focus on key areas such as improving production readiness, strengthening supply chains and optimizing efficiency through manufacturing techniques. and cutting-edge design.
GM Defense will consider making its laboratories and production sites available as part of this partnership, said Bruce Brown, its director of strategy. The company has also held discussions with defense contractor RTX RTX.N, a source close to the matter said on Tuesday.
Earlier Tuesday, Bloomberg News reported that GM was in talks with RTX and L3Harris LHX.N to help gunmakers increase production, with any deal expected to involve activities similar to those planned under its deal with Lockheed.
An L3Harris spokesperson told Reuters the company was working with companies both within and outside the industry to speed up production.
In addition, it will invest “billions to modernize and expand our solid propellant rocket engine production facilities and invest massively in our supply chain.”
RTX did not wish to comment. GM did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the Bloomberg article.
GM is investing $9 billion in capital and $7 billion in research and development across its businesses this year, but revealed the amount allocated to its GM Defense division.
Lockheed is investing $9 billion by 2030 to increase munitions production and upgrade its facilities.
It is still too early for Lockheed to specify which projects it will invest in with GM Defense, said Frank St. John, its director of operations.
Ford Motor FN, its local rival, said several governments in Europe and North America had discussed with the company how its products could support defense efforts.
