Leonardo DRS to Invest $120 Million in South Carolina Defense Industry

News Summary

Leonardo DRS is set to establish its first operations in South Carolina with a $120 million investment in Goose Creek. The new facility will create 58 jobs and play a vital role in enhancing naval propulsion systems, particularly for the U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class submarines. Expected to be operational by 2026, this initiative underscores the state’s commitment to high-tech industries and workforce development, further solidifying South Carolina’s position in the defense manufacturing sector.

South Carolina is set to receive a significant boost in its defense industry with the announcement that Leonardo DRS, a prominent defense contractor, will invest approximately $120 million to establish its first operation in the state. The new facility, located at 1588 Bushy Park Road in Goose Creek, Berkeley County, is expected to create 58 jobs for the local workforce upon its opening.

The manufacturing and test center will cover 140,000 square feet and will play a crucial role in enhancing Leonardo DRS’s capabilities in integrating next-generation propulsion systems for various naval platforms. This investment is particularly significant as the facility will support the U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program, marking a vital addition to the nation’s submarine industrial base.

The operations at the new facility are anticipated to be operational by 2026. In preparation for this expansion, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits tied to this initiative, reflecting the state’s commitment to attracting high-tech industries and skilled jobs.

Leonardo DRS, through its subsidiary DRS Naval Power Systems, has recognized South Carolina as an integral location for its operations, strategically placing the facility to meet the growing demands of U.S. Navy customers while also contributing to the region’s economic growth. The Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chair expressed confidence in the region’s strong workforce and pro-business climate, highlighting the announcement as a clear indication of the area’s economic potential.

Leonardo DRS is a well-established company known for its advanced technology solutions and systems supporting military operations. The investment in Berkeley County further solidifies the area’s reputation as a hub for defense manufacturing, aligning with national defense priorities and economic development strategies aimed at promoting job creation and technological advancement.

With the projected completion of the facility and the creation of direct employment opportunities in the coming years, South Carolina is poised to become a key player in the defense sector. The commitment from Leonardo DRS not only reinforces the state’s position within the defense industrial base but also underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance workforce development and economic resilience in the region.

This significant financial investment and the establishment of advanced manufacturing capabilities highlight the importance of collaboration between manufacturing firms and government agencies. As Leonardo DRS moves forward with its plans, it is expected that the new facility will have a cascading positive effect on local businesses and services, thus strengthening the overall economy of Berkeley County and the surrounding areas.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The State
• Wikipedia: South Carolina
• Cola Today
• Google Search: Columbia SC job market
• Ramsey Solutions
• Google Scholar: South Carolina economics
• Greenville Business Magazine
• Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
• Forbes
• Google News: South Carolina best employers
• Greenville Online
• Outside Online
• iHeart