The Defense Logistics Agency, which manages the nation’s global supply chain, has awarded a $36 million contract to Elmet Technologies of Lewiston to provide molybdenum and tungsten alloys, and precision wire for the National Defense Stockpile.

The materials, known as refractory metals, are key components for the defense and aerospace industries and are used in jet engine components and high performance defense systems.

Tungsten is the strongest metal in the world with the highest tensile strength. It’s very dense and has the highest melting point of any metal. Molybdenum has similar properties, but to a lesser degree.

They are also among the raw materials produced primarily in China and restricted from export since 2025 for national security reasons.

Under the contract, Elmet Technologies will supply the government with titanium-zirconium-molybdenum, or TZM alloy billets, bar stock, and ingots, as well as specialized molybdenum and tungsten wire.

TZM is a molybdenum alloy strengthened with small additions of titanium and zirconium, allowing it to retain its strength at higher temperatures than pure molybdenum, making it well suited to aerospace and defense applications where materials must perform under extreme heat and stress.

Elmet Technologies’ plant is at 1560 Lisbon St.