IMBEL completes first TNT filling of M107 155 mm artillery projectiles at Juiz de Fora

IMBEL has reached a milestone at its new Juiz de Fora plant by completing the first TNT filling of M107 155 mm artillery projectiles. This operation forms part of the facility’s optimisation phase, which covers operational processes, equipment and system validation, and production procedures carried out under stringent quality and safety standards.

IMBEL completes first TNT filling of M107 155 mm artillery projectiles

According to Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil (IMBEL), the 155 mm artillery projectiles were filled with molten explosive material after passing through the pre-heating tunnel. “...At this stage, each shell was filled through the pouring gate, completing the filling process and releasing the assembly for the next phase...,” the company explained.

The projectiles were then placed in the cooling stage to begin the controlled solidification of the explosive. “...This procedure ensures the formation of a charge free from internal defects, contributing to the quality, reliability and safety of the final product...,” IMBEL stressed.

Brazil’s new capability for heavy ammunition production

IMBEL began expanding its heavy-ammunition capabilities with the opening of the New Heavy Ammunition Filling Plant at the Juiz de Fora Factory in July 2025. The launch of this facility made it possible to master the underlying manufacturing technologies, which had previously been limited to a small number of international players.

Increased production capacity at the Juiz de Fora Factory

At the inauguration ceremony, Colonel R1 Perazzinni, commander of the Juiz de Fora Factory, said that the New Filling Plant project had enabled a substantial increase in production under modern quality and safety standards. “...In this way, not only was a new level of production capacity achieved for filling shells and ammunition warheads ranging from 60 to 155 mm, including long-range ammunition, shaped charges and the use of insensitive explosives, but also nationalisation, independence and technical mastery of the systems capable of manufacturing them...”.

The results achieved will be valuable in consolidating this new industrial base, as they “...will serve as a basis for improving operational routines, strengthening IMBEL’s production capacity and reaffirming the Company’s commitment to excellence, safety and the quality of its products...,” IMBEL concluded.