Van-Am Defense Systems, located in Waverly, Iowa, represents a significant expansion of Van-Am Tool & Engineering’s capabilities and commitment to serving the evolving needs of the defense and industrial sectors. Established in 2024 through the acquisition of the fabrication division of GMT Manufacturing, this facility operates as a wholly owned subsidiary and plays a key role in our long-term growth strategy.

 

Spanning 75,000 square feet, the Waverly facility is equipped to handle large-scale, high-complexity fabrication projects. Key capabilities include 30-ton overhead crane capacity, a 600-ton press, a 42-foot burn table capable of cutting material up to 8.5 inches thick, and two horizontal CNC machining centers. This advanced infrastructure allows us to deliver precision, efficiency, and scalability across a wide range of applications.

​

As part of this expansion, Van-Am Defense Systems has secured a new defense contract to produce components for the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, a critical system utilized by the U.S. Navy. This marks a major milestone for Van-Am, introducing a new product line while significantly enhancing our production capacity to meet increasing industry demand.

​

Our investment in advanced technology, combined with the expertise of our skilled workforce, positions Van-Am as a trusted partner across defense, aerospace, and industrial markets.

“This new technology will expand our capabilities and increase our capacity,” said Keith Mills, CEO of Van-Am. “This component, used by the U.S. Navy, is equipment we stand by, and it will provide more opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.”

​

“When combined with the knowledge and experience our team provides, we have great confidence in our ability to take on large and exciting projects,” said Aaron Lytton, Quality Manager at Van-Am. “We’re able to do this while ensuring every component meets the highest standards of our customers.”