Tarbes: Concerns over the sale of France’s only factory producing 155mm shell casings

Tarbes – July 6, 2026: Concern is growing in Tarbes. Employees and local public officials report that the defense division of owner Europlasma is up for sale. According to them, Forges de Tarbes is primarily affected, currently the only site in France manufacturing steel shell bodies for 155 mm artillery guns. These empty shell bodies are then assembled into combat-ready ammunition by defense companies such as KNDS (formerly Nexter). According to plant representatives, the future of around 70 to 80 jobs depends on this decision.

Since the sharp increase in ammunition demand since 2022, the plant has been regarded as a strategic hub in the supply chain and is important not only for the French armed forces but also for European partner programs. Calls are coming from the Occitanie region for the state to provide certainty. Measures such as investment guarantees, minimum production volumes, and job protection are being demanded. Local stakeholders point out that already announced public support for expanding production capacity should stabilize output.

Criticism is directed mainly at Europlasma. The owner is accused of delaying promised modernization measures. Industry observers warn that a sale to a purely financially oriented investor could increase risks to production speed, quality, and jobs. It is therefore recommended that, if a transfer of ownership takes place, conditions be imposed such as a binding investment plan, time-bound milestones, proof of maintenance obligations, and contractually defined minimum supply volumes.

At the national level, the Ministry of Defense and the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) emphasize the importance of the entire ammunition supply chain. However, according to workers and municipal representatives, no binding solution has yet been presented. Options under discussion range from a state-supported acquisition to a controlled resale under strict conditions. For employees, the decisive factor is that mass production in Tarbes is not interrupted, as the skills and supply rhythm in this sector are difficult to replace.

In the background is the effort to expand production capacity for 155 mm ammunition across Europe. France is participating in these programs to improve the supply situation and fulfill commitments to partners. The situation in Tarbes is important in this context. If the country’s only shell-body producer were lost, manufacturers would have to rely more heavily on imported components, potentially affecting costs, delivery times, and sovereignty (autonomy). Trade unions and local politicians have stated that they will increase political pressure and take further action to secure the site’s technical capabilities.