Federal and local leaders, company officials and representatives of the customer community spoke at the event, highlighting the daily contributions of the site’s employees. Cambria Region Chamber President Amy Bradley presented a plaque on behalf of the Chamber, while Pennsylvania State Sen. Wayne Langerholc and U.S. Rep. John Joyce arranged for flags to be flown over the Pennsylvania State Capitol and the United States Capitol on Sept. 8, 2025, to commemorate the company’s 20th anniversary in Johnstown.
Customer representatives included Chris Melkonian, United States Marine Corps Program Manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault, and Maj. Gen. Jason Morris, USMC Director of the Operations Division at DC PP&O. They spoke about the importance of the turrets manufactured in Johnstown and thanked employees for their work supporting the nation’s 173,000 active-duty Marines.
Joyce, who represents the district in the U.S. House of Representatives, expressed appreciation for the workforce’s dedication to the military. “You put another tool in their tool belt to make America stronger and safer,” he said.
Site leader Dave Zucco and KDA, Inc. President and General Manager Heather Armentrout noted that the facility hired 20 new employees over the past year and expects to add about 30 more this year. Armentrout said, “This event showed our customers and partners that we are investing in our capabilities in Johnstown to meet our commitments and continuing to be part of the fabric of the community for years to come. The real highlight was seeing our employees be recognized for all of their hard work.”
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting, followed by a reception featuring local food and tours of the expanded facility. Company officials said the expansion strengthens the site’s ability to support ongoing production and future commitments.
