Certain names are commonly known in the firearms world. Hornady, Glock, Federal, and Mossberg. These are all titans in the gun industry and have a very public presence. There is another giant in the firearms world. However, that is barely known to the average person. The company is D&M Holding Company, and they are a quiet giant in the ammunition world.
A Quiet Titan in the Ammunition Manufacturing World – D&M Holdings
Founded in 2018 by Dan Powers, a seasoned veteran of the ammunition industry, D&M Holding Company emerged from a vision to revolutionize ammunition manufacturing. Powers’ journey began with Precision Ammunition in 1997, where he specialized in frangible copper matrix ammunition for law enforcement. After selling the company to RUAG in 2009, he continued to influence the industry. Notably, at SIG SAUER, he played a pivotal role in developing the V-Crown projectile and establishing their ammunition manufacturing division. In short, the reason SIG SAUER has an ammunition line is because of Dan Powers.
D&M Holding Company provides comprehensive turnkey solutions for ammunition production. These solutions encompass the manufacture of projectiles, cartridge cases, primer production, and propellant development. Their facilities in Tampa, Florida, and Cabot, Arkansas, serve as hubs for design, engineering, and testing. The company is staffed by over 200 industry professionals.
Their Divisions Include a State of the Art Primer Manufacturing Facility.
A notable subsidiary, White River Energetics (WRE), located in Des Arc, Arkansas, focuses on primer and propellant manufacturing. WRE is currently expanding its operations. They are adding 90,000 square feet to increase primer production and establish a new smokeless propellant factory. This expansion addresses global shortages in these critical components.
Their primer facility is state-of-the-art, with its central core being based on safety. I had the opportunity to visit this facility and was taken by the strict protocols and processes. Dan Powers shared with me, “We build ourselves to be a complete support company for our clients. While a company may be able to make bullets and casings, they are at a full stop without primers or powder.” This statement encapsulates just who D&M Holdings is.
D&M In Ukraine
D&M’s influence extends beyond U.S. borders. In Ukraine, the company constructed a modern ammunition factory to replace one that was lost during the 2014 conflict. Despite the challenges posed by the 2022 Russian invasion, D&M’s team returned to complete the facility. It now operates continuously to support Ukraine’s armed forces.
This specific project proved to add complications that no company could have predicted. When the U.S. government ordered D&M’s team to leave Ukraine ahead of Russia’s 2022 invasion, Dan refused to simply walk away.
“We were on one of the last planes out of Kyiv before Russia invaded,” said James Jones, D&M’s Vice President of Business Development.
Once the Russian advance stalled, Dan led a team of volunteers back into Ukraine to finish the factory. “Against U.S. government advice we quietly crossed the border and finished commissioning the factory,” Dan said.
Today, that facility produces ammunition 24/7 for Ukraine’s Armed Forces, standing as a testament to D&M’s determination and expertise.
Large Domestic Presence
Domestically, D&M collaborated with Palmetto State Armory to build the American Ammunition Company (AAC) in Columbia, South Carolina. This facility is the largest new ammunition factory in the United States. It produces between 350 and 450 million rounds annually, catering to both civilian and defense markets.
Safety is a cornerstone of D&M’s operations. The company has pioneered automation in primer manufacturing, ensuring that all chemical reactions occur without personnel present, significantly reducing risk. This commitment to safety extends to their clients, with D&M providing free updates to address safety concerns in existing facilities.
D&M Holding Company continues to expand its global footprint. They engage with NATO allies and other nations to modernize ammunition production capabilities. Their comprehensive approach, which combines expertise, innovation, and a commitment to safety, positions them as a leader in the ammunition manufacturing industry.
D&M Holding Company – A One Stop Shop for Ammunition Manufacturing
D&M Holding Company is literally a one-stop shop for all things ammunition-related. While many companies enjoy success by manufacturing individual components for ammo, D&M does it all. They help companies stand up complete ammo manufacturing facilities that even include machines, tools, and, most importantly, ongoing logistical support. They take great pride in their ability to build state-of-the-art facilities anywhere in the world.
For more information, please visit: https://www.dmholding.com/
