Joyce Attends Iten Defense Groundbreaking
Resources / National Security Share on Joyce Attends Iten Defense Groundbreaking Aug 05, 2026 Economy & Jobs National Security Press SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP, OH – Today, U.S. Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) took part in a groundbreaking ceremony with Iten Defense and Lakeland The Construction Group, marking the start of construction on Iten Defense’s new research, development, and manufacturing facility. Headquartered in Ashtabula County, Ohio, Iten Defense specializes in manufacturing composite armor products, including pressed backing material used for body armor. The project builds on federal investments supported by Congressman Joyce. Iten Defense has received Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) funding to advance ballistic protection capabilities through the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, and the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act. “Iten Defense is a top innovator, a critical part of our defense industrial base, and its success speaks to the talent of Ohio’s workforce,” said Congressman Joyce . “As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ve been proud to fight for the federal investment that makes projects like this possible. This new research, development, and manufacturing facility will develop the lighter, stronger ballistic protection our warfighters need to stay ahead of our adversaries.” “Today marks an important milestone for Iten Defense and our community as we continue building an armor center of excellence in Northeast Ohio. We are grateful for the ongoing support of Congressman Joyce, the State of Ohio, Ashtabula County, and Saybrook Township as we’ve experienced nothing but the utmost support in facilitating our expansion plans. The new facility and the equipment we’ll be installing will allow us to continue our tradition of producing products that save lives,” said Damon Walsh, CEO of Iten Defense. “At Lakeland The Construction Group, we believe great projects begin with great partnerships. We’re honored by Iten Defense’s trust and proud to serve as the design-build partner on a project that will strengthen manufacturing and create lasting opportunities in Northeast Ohio,” said Fahim F. Gemayel, President of Lakeland The Construction Group. Background: Iten Defense has built a strong reputation in the defense industry through decades of work in advanced protection technologies. The company’s growth reflects Ohio’s strong manufacturing and defense industry capabilities. The facility is being designed and constructed by Lakeland The Construction Group, a Northeast Ohio-based contractor. ### Share on
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Resources / National Security Share on Joyce Attends Iten Defense Groundbreaking Aug 05, 2026 Economy & Jobs National Security Press SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP, OH – Today, U.S. Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) took part in a groundbreaking ceremony with Iten Defense and Lakeland Construction, marking the start of construction on Iten Defense’s new research, development, and manufacturing facility. Headquartered in Ashtabula County, Ohio, Iten Defense specializes in manufacturing composite armor products, including pressed backing material used for body armor. The project builds on federal investments supported by Congressman Joyce. Iten Defense has received Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) funding to advance ballistic protection capabilities through the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, and the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act. “Iten Defense is a top innovator, a critical part of our defense industrial base, and its success speaks to the talent of Ohio’s workforce,” said Congressman Joyce . “As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ve been proud to fight for the federal investment that makes projects like this possible. This new research, development, and manufacturing facility will develop the lighter, stronger ballistic protection our warfighters need to stay ahead of our adversaries.” “Today marks an important milestone for Iten Defense and our community as we continue building an armor center of excellence in Northeast Ohio. We are grateful for the ongoing support of Congressman Joyce, the State of Ohio, Ashtabula County, and Saybrook Township as we’ve experienced nothing but the utmost support in facilitating our expansion plans. The new facility and the equipment we’ll be installing will allow us to continue our tradition of producing products that save lives,” said Damon Walsh, CEO of Iten Defense. “At Lakeland The Construction Group, we believe great projects begin with great partnerships. We’re honored by Iten Defense’s trust and proud to serve as the design-build partner on a project that will strengthen manufacturing and create lasting opportunities in Northeast Ohio,” said Fahim F. Gemayel, President of Lakeland The Construction Group. Background: Iten Defense has built a strong reputation in the defense industry through decades of work in advanced protection technologies. The company’s growth reflects Ohio’s strong manufacturing and defense industry capabilities. The facility is being designed and constructed by Lakeland The Construction Group, a Northeast Ohio-based contractor. ### Share on
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