January 31, 2025

Major Expansion in U.S. Military Shipbuilding: HII Acquires Charleston Operations

Northford Structural Connections (NSC)

Northford Structural Connections (NSC) specializes in innovative engineering solutions for enhancing the safety and durability of precast concrete structures. Their patented products, including the Double-Tee Flexible Connection (DTFC) and Double-Tee Connection Pro (DTC Pro), address critical challenges like fatigue, corrosion, and seismic resilience. With a focus on quality and longevity, NSC provides advanced connection systems trusted by industry professionals for both retrofitting and new construction projects.

News Summary

HII’s acquisition of W International SC LLC and Vivid Empire SC LLC marks a significant expansion in the U.S. military shipbuilding sector, enhancing the Newport News Shipbuilding – Charleston Operations. This move aims to boost national security and emphasizes job retention, as 99% of the workforce will continue employment. The facility will focus on producing nuclear-powered submarine modules and aircraft carrier units, aligning with growing demands linked to the U.S. Navy and the AUKUS agreement. HII plans further expansion to double the facility’s size, solidifying South Carolina’s position as a defense manufacturing hub.

Major Expansion in U.S. Military Shipbuilding: HII Acquires Charleston Operations

In a bold move that promises to reshape the landscape of military shipbuilding in the United States, HII has successfully completed its acquisition of W International SC LLC and Vivid Empire SC LLC. This strategic acquisition, announced back in December 2024, will see the newly acquired facility operate under the name Newport News Shipbuilding – Charleston Operations, significantly enhancing the nation’s military shipbuilding capabilities.

Boosting National Security through Increased Capacity

As the largest military shipbuilder in the country, HII aims to expedite its shipbuilding capacity and throughput, strictly catering to national security customers. The top brass at HII is eagerly eyeing this acquisition as a critical opportunity to accelerate output at their Newport News location. The expansion is particularly important for fulfilling burgeoning demands linked to the U.S. Navy and the AUKUS agreement, which aims to bolster security cooperation between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Job Retention and Economic Impact

In an encouraging sign for the local labor market, an astounding 99% of the facility’s legacy workforce has accepted offers to continue their jobs at the new Charleston Operations site. This indicates a stable transition for employees in an industry that is essential to the nation’s defense apparatus. The Charleston area is poised to benefit profoundly from this acquisition, thanks to its already highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a growing defense industry.

Furthermore, the Charleston County Economic Department has recorded the creation of 1,029 new jobs in the area over the past year, a figure that underscores the growing importance of the local shipbuilding sector. HII anticipates that infrastructure upgrades at its current site will additionally create 500 new jobs over the next five years, further solidifying South Carolina’s reputation as a hub for military manufacturing.

State-of-the-Art Facility Awaits

The newly acquired facility occupies a sprawling 45 acres and boasts over 480,000 square feet of manufacturing space. With direct access to barge and rail transportation, the location is primed for enhanced production flow. HII will invest in advanced production facilities that include cutting-edge manufacturing equipment, tooling, and crucial supportive infrastructure.

A Key Player in National Security

South Carolina is increasingly recognized for its pivotal role in bolstering national security through its growing shipbuilding sector. Notably, the NNS projects planned for the Charleston Operations will focus on the construction of nuclear-powered submarine modules and aircraft carrier units for the U.S. Navy. These developments signal a step forward in meeting the nation’s expanding defense needs, preserving the strategic balance in regional waters.

Future Outlook and Expansion Plans

Looking ahead, HII is not just stopping at this acquisition. The company has ambitious plans to double the size of its existing facilities in Charleston, a move aimed at significantly enhancing production capabilities. This commitment shows HII’s determination to not only play a leading role in military shipbuilding but also to contribute to the economic resilience of South Carolina.

Conclusion

The completion of the acquisition marks a transformative chapter for both HII and the Charleston area, setting the stage for robust growth in the shipbuilding sector. With the combination of a skilled workforce, substantial job creation, and advanced facilities, this is a development that could increase shipbuilding capacity and supply chains, providing the U.S. Navy with the vital resources it needs to maintain national security.