National Primers, City of Litchfield announce $127M manufacturing facility, 160 new jobs

By Managing Editor | June 20, 2025 |

In a major step forward for regional economic growth, National Primers LLC and the City of Litchfield, Ill., have announced plans for a new primer ammunition manufacturing facility to be located in Litchfield’s I-55 Commerce Center.

The project will bring a combined $127 million capital investment and at least 160 new full-time jobs over the next seven years.

The development will occur in two phases:

Phase I will break ground by the end of 2025. With a $57 million investment, this phase will create at least 85 jobs, and the facility is expected to be fully operational by summer of 2028.
Phase II, an expansion of the plant or a complementary line of business, will add $70 million in additional investment and at least 75 more jobs, with operations beginning no later than summer of 2032.

“This is a tremendous win for our city and the broader region,” said Mayor Jacob Fleming. “The location within the I-55 Commerce Center is ideal for industrial growth, and this project is a direct result of strategic investment and collaboration. We are especially grateful for the support of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Ameren Illinois, Montgomery County, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) — their efforts have helped make this vision a reality.”

National Primers selected Litchfield after a thorough multi-state site selection process.

“Litchfield checked every box for us — location, infrastructure, workforce, and above all, partnership,” said Don Mildrum, CEO of National Primers LLC. “We’re thrilled to bring our advanced primer manufacturing capabilities here and look forward to being an active part of the community. We also appreciate the support that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has given us.”

Joining Mildrum in leading National Primers LLC are Owners Dr. Joe Gira and Tim O’Donnell. Both bring a wealth of experience in advanced manufacturing, regional development, and strategic investment partnerships.

The project underscores Litchfield’s position as a rising hub for manufacturing and logistics, strategically located between St. Louis and Springfield along the I-55 corridor. City and company officials are currently working together to finalize site plans, permitting, and infrastructure improvements in preparation for a groundbreaking later this year.