VERSAILLES, France, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Nexter Munitions of France has inaugurated a robotized production facility and aims for a doubling of its business over the next five years.
The facility, specifically for the production and belting of its Caesar 155mm artillery rounds, will lead to competitiveness, the company said.
"This facility, which incorporates the latest technological innovations … will improve Nexter Munitions' market position in manufacturing flare and smoke ordnance in the 155 mm artillery round range, ordered by the French Army under a multi-year contract," Nexter said.
"It will allow our productions to be relocated while maintaining domestic jobs."
The Caesar is a self-propelled artillery system, with a firing range of about 25 miles, built around a 6X6 chassis. Nexter said the system is the company's prime export.
Nexter said it plans to double its exports of the system over the next five years, despite cuts to defense budgets around the world. Exports of the Caesar represented 20 percent of company exports last year.
Additional details on the factory and company business plans were not given.
