France’s Only 155mm Artillery Shell Casing Factory Faces Possible Shutdown

France’s only factory producing 155mm artillery shell casings has been ordered to fix safety issues with its industrial equipment.

If Forges de Tarbes fails to meet the requirements by the end of 2026, some of its equipment will have to be shut down, potentially affecting ammunition production, French media outlet BFM reports.

The prefecture of the Hautes-Pyrénées department issued the order.

The factory must bring its pressure equipment into compliance with current safety regulations.

The issues involve components used to operate hydraulic presses, which are essential for forging artillery shell casings.

According to the report, five pieces of equipment used to operate the hydraulic presses failed to undergo mandatory re-inspections on time. Another nine pieces were due for inspection by mid-August.

The authorities have set December 31, 2026, as the deadline for resolving the violations. By that date, all pressure equipment must undergo the required inspections.

If the requirements are not met, the affected equipment will have to be shut down.

The company could also face administrative penalties for failing to comply with the order. Criminal proceedings may also be launched if there are legal grounds to do so.

Previous Shutdowns at Forges de Tarbes

This is not the first time production at the factory has been halted this year. The plant was already shut down from mid-August to mid-September.

The problems at Forges de Tarbes extend beyond the condition of its equipment. In early October, employees told BFM Business that the factory relies on outdated machinery that is difficult to keep operational.

According to one employee, the equipment has long needed modernisation, despite the factory’s strategic importance to the defence industry.

Concerns have also been raised about raw material supplies and the factory’s financial situation. Employees fear that material shortages could threaten continued production.

French media have also reported difficulties in securing the metal needed to manufacture artillery shell casings.

The factory employs around 60 people. In 2021, it came under the control of the Europlasma Group after facing the threat of court-ordered liquidation.

The group specialises in acquiring struggling industrial companies in France. However, its takeover has not resolved all the problems at Forges de Tarbes.

The situation at the factory is significant for France’s defence industry, as it is the country’s only manufacturer of 155mm artillery shell casings.