LADSON, S.C. - Keel Holdings, a defense manufacturing company, announced a $22 million investment in advanced precision machining capacity and key leadership appointments to support continued growth across its Midwest and Southeast operations.
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.
Stephen Ross, Vice President of Business Development at Keel, said, “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. This investment reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing essential defense initiatives and providing best-in-class manufacturing capabilities.”
