Newport News Shipbuilding Expands Operations in South Carolina

News Summary

Newport News Shipbuilding has inaugurated a new facility in Goose Creek, South Carolina, aimed at enhancing U.S. Navy production capabilities. Spanning 50 acres, the facility will produce crucial components for aircraft carriers and submarines. With a workforce of 475 employees and plans for growth, this expansion highlights HII’s commitment to local sourcing and workforce development. While operations have begun, full production capacity is projected for 2027-2028. The new site is expected to significantly reduce workloads at the Virginia headquarters and support naval demands.

South Carolina has become the new home for Newport News Shipbuilding’s latest operations, located in Goose Creek. This facility, a division of Virginia-based Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), began operations roughly 60 days ago and is set to enhance production for the U.S. Navy. The Charleston facility spans nearly 50 acres and boasts approximately 500,000 square feet of manufacturing space, which is gearing up to send its first structural unit to Newport News’ headquarters in Virginia specifically for U.S. Navy aircraft carrier production in a mere two days.

Newport News Shipbuilding holds a significant position, being the sole builder of aircraft carriers for the United States and one of only two companies engaged in constructing submarines for the U.S. Navy. This new facility in Goose Creek serves an important function by specializing in modules for submarines and aircraft carriers, thereby reducing the workload at Newport News’ main production site in Virginia.

HII’s strategic decision to expand operations was facilitated by the acquisition of all assets of metal fabricators W International SC LLC and Vivid Empire SC LLC in January, although financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed. The Goose Creek facility’s primary focus will be on producing habitability modules, auxiliary machine rooms, and weapons modules for both the Virginia-Class and Columbia-Class submarines, highlighting its critical role in supporting U.S. Navy capabilities.

The facility currently employs 475 workers, with plans for significant growth in employment numbers in the near future. Approximately 99% of the legacy employees from W International have transitioned to the new operation. New hires undergo a comprehensive 12-week training program, and they are considered full-time employees, receiving benefits throughout their training period. Since initiating the training program in October 2021, about 1,200 students have graduated, with local high schools actively preparing students for the specialized curriculum.

In addition to workforce development, HII emphasizes local sourcing for its production needs, investing approximately $500 million annually in domestic materials. This local investment strategy supports the company’s commitment to the economy of South Carolina. Furthermore, HII contributes around $110 million each year toward investments in the local workforce, enhancing opportunities in education and retirement plans for employees.

While the facility has started operations, it is important to note that Newport News Shipbuilding’s full-rate production capacity in Goose Creek is not expected to be achieved until the years 2027-2028. This timeline reflects the ongoing preparation and scaling of operations necessary to meet the increasing demands of naval production. The demand for Navy ships has intensified, a trend acknowledged by company representatives who highlighted an unprecedented need for shipbuilding capabilities, particularly during the past 34 years.

To further bolster collaboration, an adjacent building by Leonardo DRS is currently under construction and is projected to open in 2026. This expansion is expected to facilitate cooperative efforts between the two facilities, thereby enhancing overall productivity and efficiency in shipbuilding operations.

As HII embarks on this new chapter in Goose Creek, the initiative represents a significant investment in both local infrastructure and workforce development, positioning the area as a crucial hub for U.S. Navy production for years to come.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Greenville Online
• Wikipedia: South Carolina
• Forbes: Best Employers by State
• Google Search: South Carolina
• Outside Online: Best Places to Work 2024
• Google Scholar: South Carolina job market
• Greenville Business Magazine: 2024 SC Best in Business
• Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
• Cola Today: Top Industries and Employers in Columbia, SC
• Google News: Job opportunities in South Carolina