Keel Continues to Invest in Defense Production Capacity with $22 Million Midwest Equipment Purchase and Key Leadership Additions

LADSON, S.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#announcement–Keel Holdings, LLC (“Keel”), a leading advanced defense manufacturing company supporting critical national security programs, today announced a $22 million investment in advanced precision machining capacity and key leadership appointments to support continued growth across its Midwest and Southeast operations.

$22 Million Investment in State-of-the-Art Precision Machining Centers

As part of its commitment to supporting the nation’s most demanding defense programs, Keel is investing $22 million in four large, high-speed, precision 5-axis machining centers. These state-of-the-art machines represent the next phase of Keel’s Midwest expansion, enhancing machining capacity and ensuring the company remains optimally equipped to serve mission-critical needs for key customers.

The new machines—sourced from leading manufacturer EMCO—will be installed in Keel’s recently expanded 160,000 square-foot large-format machining facility in Merrill, MI, following a $36 million investment in 2024. The additions include:

• Powermill HP5 Large Vertical 5-Axis Milling Machine: 32.8.5 ft. X-axis, 13 ft. Y-axis, 8.5 ft. Z-axis, 120-pocket tool changer, multiple high-speed spindles, expected operational March 2026.

• Mecmill HP5 Horizontal Milling Machine: 50 ft. X-axis, 5.2 ft. Y-axis, 13 ft. Z-axis, 50-ton turntable, 120-pocket tool changer, operational by October 2026.

• Powermill HP5 Large Vertical Milling Machine: 52.5 ft. X-axis, 19.6 ft. Y-axis, 8.2 ft. Z-axis, 120-pocket tool changer, operational January 2027.

• Powermill HP5 Vertical Milling Machine with W-Axis: 52 ft. X-axis, 26.2 ft. Y-axis, 8.2 ft. W-axis, 14.8 ft. Z-axis, 120-pocket tool changer, operational by June 2027.

The expanded capacity will support a three-shift operation and require 18 additional highly skilled CNC operators, further strengthening Keel’s Midwest workforce, and supporting Keel’s broader operations in South Carolina, where a $67 million investment is underway to expand the company’s shipyard that is critical for delivering large modules for the Navy.

“These machines are the next phase of Keel’s Midwest expansion and will ensure we’re equipped to support our customers’ most critical defense programs,” said Stephen Ross, Vice President of Business Development at Keel. “This investment reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing essential defense initiatives and providing best-in-class manufacturing capabilities.”

Strengthening Leadership for Operational Excellence

In parallel with this investment, Keel is pleased to announce key leadership appointments to reinforce operational discipline and accelerate throughput.

Allen Couture has joined Keel as Chief Operating Officer and President, Southeast Operations. Allen brings significant operational leadership, experience and a strong track record of driving execution, alignment, and performance in complex defense manufacturing environments including more than 10 years with Raytheon. Most recently, Allen was COO of Frontgrade Technologies.

Brian Johnson appointed Vice President, Quality.

A former U.S. Navy submariner, Brian joins Keel from BWXT, where he led critical quality programs for submarine shipboard products. Based in Ladson, SC and reporting to Allen, Brian will strengthen Keel’s quality systems to meet the demands of an expanding portfolio.

“These leadership changes, alongside our strategic investments, reinforce Keel’s operational foundation as we continue to scale,” said Brian Carter, Keel CEO. “They ensure we have the right structure, discipline and leadership in place to execute reliably for our customers and partners.”

To learn more about Keel, visit keelusa.com and follow Keel on LinkedIn.

About Keel

Built for precision with an eye for innovation, Keel was formed through the merger of Pegasus Steel, Merrill Technologies Group and Metal Trades. Keel is focused on delivering unmatched quality in fabrication, machining and integration to the U.S. Navy, the broader Defense Industrial Base supply chain, and industrial customers.

Contacts

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