An FPT DinoWide 5-Axis Milling Machine at Keel’s Midwest facility in Merrill, Michigan. (Photo: Business Wire)
Keel’s $34.5 million investment, focused on two locations, includes a facility expansion and the addition of advanced machinery.
ALMA, Mich.—Defense manufacturer Keel Holdings, LLC, reported that it completed a $34.5 million investment to expand its production capabilities and enhance its workforce development in Michigan. The investment, focused on Keel’s Alma and Merrill locations, included a facility expansion, the purchase of advanced machinery, and a reinvestment in workforce training programs, the company said in a release.
Keel stated that it implemented a variety of manufacturing equipment to enhance production efficiency at its Alma location. Among the notable additions are the installation of a Ursviken 4,400-ton press brake for precise metal bending and a Wheelabrator Model PSM-836-4-40 for surface treatment, according to the manufacturer.
The company also upgraded its existing software and integrated a new rotary table into the ARC-05i Cladding System to optimize its operational capabilities.
“Our Alma facility has long been at the forefront of welding innovation,” said Alma Plant Manager Brian Englehardt, in the release. “These new additions allow us to increase our throughput and continue delivering the high-quality products our customers expect. This investment reinforces our commitment to maintaining our leadership in welding and fabrication.”
The 36,000-square-foot expansion at Keel Midwest’s Merrill location will accommodate four new advanced high-speed 5-axis machining centers. (Photo: Business Wire)
In 2024, Keel’s Merrill location also underwent significant enhancements, including a substantial 36,000-square-foot expansion and the addition of four advanced, high-speed 5-axis machining centers. The machining centers included two FPT Dinomax centers, an FPT Raptocut, and an FPT Dinowide. Keel also added an API Dynamic 9D LADAR system for detailed measurement and inspection. This major investment, the company said, enables the facility to efficiently handle larger and more complex projects.
“We are excited about the expansion of our Merrill facility,” said Merrill Plant Manager Troy Genow, in the release. “This additional space and new machinery not only boost our capacity but also diversify the types of projects we can take on. It’s a pivotal step forward for our team and our customers.”
In addition to the facility expansions and new technology, Keel stated that it has prioritized investment in its most important resource—its people.
The Merrill Institute, located within Keel’s Alma facility, has provided students with comprehensive, state-of-the-art, hands-on welding training since its inception in 2011. There, students have the unique opportunity to experience a cutting-edge manufacturing environment in action, learning from AWS-certified instructors.
“We believe in empowering our team members through continuous professional development, equipping them with the tools and opportunities necessary to reach their full potential,” said Merrill Institute Director Jason North, in the release. “Every student who completes our program will graduate with the confidence and tools needed to excel in today’s challenging workplaces.”
Keel also offers an internal CNC training program designed to help employees enhance their career skills for continued growth and advancement. Successful participants receive a certificate of completion, recognized as the premier certification by companies within the manufacturing sector.
Keel was formed through the merger of Pegasus Steel, Merrill Technologies Group, and Metal Trades. “We are focused on delivering unmatched quality in fabrication, machining, and integration to the U.S. Navy, the broader Defense Industrial Base supply chain, and our industrial customers,” the company said in the release.