Austal USA has started construction on a new manufacturing facility to make submarine modules for the U.S. Navy. The new building will provide 369,600 square feet of indoor manufacturing space and should be fully operational by late 2026.
This project, combined with a recent groundbreaking for another manufacturing building, represents more than $750 million invested in the company’s Mobile facility. The two buildings, once fully operational, also will add more than 2,000 jobs to Austal USA.
“Austal USA’s continued expansion in Mobile is a testament to Alabama’s growing leadership in the defense industry and our commitment to supporting our nation’s security needs,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “This new facility for submarine module manufacturing reinforces Austal’s vital role in delivering the advanced capabilities required by these vital submarine programs. The creation of 2,000 jobs and the investment in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies further demonstrates Austal’s dedication to both Alabama’s economy and our national defense.”
In mid-September, Austal USA received a $450 million contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat to fabricate more submarine modules for the U.S. Navy. In 2022, Austal USA began submarine module production.
In July, Austal started construction on a new assembly building to enable the erection of large steel modules for Navy and Coast Guard ships. That building will provide more than 192,000 square feet of new indoor manufacturing space. That project will include a ship lift system that features an articulated lifting platform approximately 450 feet long by 125 feet wide, providing a reliable system to launch ships as they are completed.
“Austal USA is committed to supporting national security initiatives like the Navy’s Virginia and Columbia-class submarine programs, evidenced by our aggressive infrastructure and workforce expansion efforts,” said Austal USA President Michelle Kruger.
With the completion of these announced expansions, Austal USA’s Mobile facility will include a 117,000-square-foot steel panel line, two module manufacturing facilities totaling more than 1 million square feet of covered manufacturing space, and seven assembly bays providing more than 400,000 square feet of indoor erection space. In all, the Mobile facility will cover 180 acres and more than 1.5 million square feet of indoor manufacturing space.
