The **Tarbes Forges** factory in France, which is the only facility producing 155 mm shell casings, is facing a critical shortage of steel. This situation has arisen because its long-time client, **KNDS**, is retrieving the last of its remaining stock from the plant. The factory, which has struggled with cash flow and production challenges in recent months, has been operating at a standstill. Employees are worried about the lack of new steel deliveries since the start of the year and have been using existing stock that belongs to **KNDS**, which produces the **Caesar gun**—a weapon that fires 155 mm shells. Now, **KNDS** is beginning to remove that steel, including essential steel bars needed for manufacturing shell casings. Employees at the plant described the situation as "not making sense" and expressed confusion about what materials they will use once the stock is gone and when new supplies might arrive. A large number of employees signed an open letter on October 6, 2026, expressing frustration over learning about the removal of the materials through a colleague instead of directly from management. The letter also highlighted concerns about unclear leadership, uncertainty about salary payments, outdated production equipment, frequent breakdowns, and the financial instability of the site. The workers are urging the government to step in and provide concrete solutions to help preserve the factory's operations and their jobs. In April, **Europlasma**, the fund that has owned **Tarbes Forges** since 2021, announced exclusive talks with an unnamed French investor to sell its defense-related activities for 150 million euros. This move has added to the uncertainty surrounding the plant's future. **KNDS**, when contacted by **BFM Business**, declined to comment but said it is monitoring the situation closely. The factory’s management has not responded to requests for comment, leaving many questions about the plant’s fate unanswered.