Wednesday, August 20, 2025

New Problem, Old Solution

RealClearDefense runs an article about difficulties we’re having in ramping up production of 155mm (6 inch) artillery shells. The “meat grinder” war in Ukraine is burning through a lot of rounds.

Part of the problem is justifying additional capacity in the absence of peacetime demand which isn’t so very high. I’d suggest one of the oldest fixes for this problem known to manufacturing engineers. It’s not rocket science.

Build a plant large enough to meet peacetime demand with one shift per day, 5 days a week. Then when demand increases add a second, or even a third shift. And you still have weekends into which to expand with overtime, if needed.