HII Acquires W International to Boost Submarine Construction

News Summary

HII has announced plans to acquire the assets of South Carolina-based metal fabricator W International to enhance its submarine module construction capabilities. The acquisition, expected to close in late 2024, involves a 480,000 square foot facility and aims to support the U.S. Navy’s increased demand for naval ships. HII’s CEO highlighted the importance of this move for workforce development and local employment opportunities, with submarine production being the facility’s primary focus. This strategic investment aligns with the Navy’s initiatives to strengthen its industrial base and community economic growth.

South Carolina – Navy shipbuilder HII has announced plans to acquire substantially all assets of South Carolina-based metal fabricator W International, with intentions to establish a new location for submarine module construction. The acquisition aims to support the U.S. Navy’s growing demand for naval ships and is anticipated to commence operations in 2025. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, pending regulatory approvals, although financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed.

The move comes as HII, which has existing facilities in Charleston, approximately 400 miles south of its Newport News Shipbuilding location in Virginia, looks to enhance its capabilities in building submarines. The company manufactures U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and collaborates with General Dynamics Electric Boat on Virginia and Columbia-class submarines, highlighting its significant role in national defense.

HII’s CEO pointed to the investment in increased capacity as a crucial step toward supporting the Navy’s operational needs, emphasizing the dedication to efficient talent acquisition. The acquisition encompasses 480,000 square feet of manufacturing space situated on a 45-acre site, complete with access to barge and rail lines for module transportation. HII has expressed intentions to offer employment to most of W International’s current workforce, which would bolster local employment opportunities.

Focus on Submarine Construction

Jennifer Boykin, the outgoing president of Newport News Shipbuilding, confirmed that submarine construction will be the top priority for the new facility, with future plans for aircraft carrier unit builds as needed. This strategic acquisition aligns with the Navy’s initiatives to reinforce its submarine industrial base, backed by efforts to recruit 100,000 to 140,000 shipyard workers over the next decade.

Expansion of Operations in South Carolina

HII has also established operations in Goose Creek, SC, which began just two months ago. The Goose Creek facility, occupying nearly 50 acres and featuring multiple manufacturing spaces, aids in relieving the production workload of the main facility, allowing for more efficient operation and meeting rising demands.

In a commitment to local economies, HII has been sourcing materials from U.S. suppliers and investing $500 million annually into local supply chains in the Lowcountry area. This commitment demonstrates the company’s focus on supporting regional economic growth while enhancing its operational capabilities.

Workforce Development and Retention

The transition of employees from W International to HII’s workforce has seen a remarkable retention rate of 99%, with the current labor force consisting of 475 workers and plans to expand further. A training program launched in late 2021 has successfully graduated about 1,200 students, significantly contributing to workforce development in the region, ensuring that the skilled labor pool meets the growing needs of the shipbuilding industry.

Future Projections

As production ramps up at the new facility, HII anticipates achieving full production capacity by 2027-2028. With increasing demands for naval shipbuilding spurred by national security requirements, the acquisition of W International stands to play a pivotal role in meeting both current and future needs of the U.S. Navy.

In summary, this acquisition not only signifies HII’s commitment to enhancing submarine module construction but also emphasizes the company’s dedication to regional economic growth, workforce development, and responsiveness to national defense requirements.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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• Live 5 News: Global Defense Provider to Bring Hundreds of Jobs to Berkeley County
• Spectrum Local News: Nation’s Largest Military Shipbuilder Begins South Carolina Operations
• Breaking Defense: Shipbuilder HII to Acquire Facilities from South Carolina Company for Sub Construction
• Wikipedia: Shipbuilding
• Google Search: Navy Shipbuilding
• Google Scholar: Naval Defense Industry
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Shipbuilding
• Google News: Submarine Construction