The City of Palm Coast Economic Development Office is proud to announce Astor Defence, a global leader in military packaging solutions, has chosen Palm Coast as the site of its first U.S. manufacturing, production, and testing facility. This state-of-the-art facility represents a major expansion for the company, and Palm Coast stands to benefit from the economic opportunities it brings, including new jobs, industry growth, and enhanced business activity.
The arrival of Astor Defense USA solidifies Palm Coast’s reputation as a strategic location for industry leaders and presents a wealth of economic opportunities for the community. The company’s investment in the city will create high-quality jobs, support local talent, and foster further business development in the area.
Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s arrival. He stated, “Astor Defence choosing Palm Coast for its first U.S. facility is a testament to our city’s business-friendly environment. 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.”
Craig McKinney, Palm Coast’s Economic Development Manager, emphasized the broader benefits. He explained, “Astor Defence is the undisputed global leader in military packaging solutions. 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 Defense USA will produce a wide range of military packaging solutions, improving supply chain operations and meeting the evolving needs of its U.S. clients. The facility will streamline operations and provide a one-stop solution for defense contractors, enhancing efficiency and reducing logistical challenges.
Dolores Key, Economic Development Manager for Flagler County, spoke about the regional impact. She said, “Welcoming Astor Defense USA to Palm Coast is a major achievement for all of us in Flagler County. Their investment in locating a manufacturing facility here provides employment opportunities for our residents, diversifies the tax base, and puts us on the map with the Department of Defense.”
Astor Defence is widely recognized as a leader in the military packaging sector. It is currently the sole-source supplier of metal ammunition containers for the British Army and provides critical services for armed forces across the NATO alliance, including France, Germany, and Italy. This longstanding partnership with key global defense forces shows Astor Defence’s commitment to excellence and quality, ensuring that its clients receive the most reliable and innovative packaging solutions available.
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 the prestigious Aerospace & Defense Review. These awards highlight Astor Defence’s commitment to innovation and economic development, as well as its dedication to creating local job opportunities through advanced manufacturing.
Henry Turnbull, Managing Director of Astor Defence, expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter in the company’s business development. He stated, “We are extremely excited about this latest chapter in our expansion plans. 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!”
Astor Defence is currently the sole source supplier of metal ammunition containers for the British Army and provides services for armed forces in the NATO alliance, including France, Germany, and Italy, a testament to its enduring commitment to excellence.
Astor Defence sees a bright future in the U.S. market, quickly establishing partnerships with major American munitions manufacturers, including Northrop Grumman, Day and Zimmerman, and General Dynamics. The company has also been collaborating closely with the U.S. Army to align with military requirements, ensuring compliance with U.S. government standards through rigorous on-site testing.
Astor Defense USA is expected to be fully operational by January 2025 in the Hargrove Industrial Park. The facility will contribute to Palm Coast’s economic growth by generating high-paying jobs, attracting further investment, and strengthening the city’s reputation as a business-friendly hub for advanced manufacturing.
Palm Coast is proud to welcome Astor Defense USA and looks forward to the positive impact this facility will have on the local business community and the city’s ongoing growth as a center for innovation and industry.
For more information about Astor Defense USA and their new facility, please contact: Lyn Turnbull, Marketing Manager for Astor Defence, at lyn@astordefence.com or visit astordefence.com
