Major Defense Award Highlights Austal USA’s Mobile Projects

3 MIN READ
Mobile Rundown Staff

Alabama is making waves—big ones. 

Business Facilities magazine just handed the state its coveted “Deal of the Year” Impact Award for Austal USA’s massive expansions at the Mobile shipyard. 

These projects are a game-changer, blending cutting-edge tech with good old-fashioned job creation.

Governor Kay Ivey couldn’t be prouder, calling the recognition proof of Alabama’s role as a leader in defense manufacturing and economic growth. 

And let’s not forget, this is about more than just prestige. 

The numbers speak for themselves: a $750 million investment, 2,000 new jobs, and some serious upgrades in how the U.S. Navy gets its ships built.

The Big Plans Behind the Award

What makes this such a big deal? Two major projects are anchoring Austal’s transformation:

  1. The Submarine Module Fabrication Facility: Announced in October 2024, this 369,600-square-foot wonder is all about helping the U.S. Navy meet its ambitious goals for submarine production. 

Expect state-of-the-art tech, digital twins, automation, and 1,000 new jobs when it’s done in late 2026.

  1. The Large Steel Ship Assembly Facility: Unveiled in July 2024, this project adds a massive 192,000-square-foot assembly bay and a high-tech shiplift system to launch vessels. 

Think Offshore Patrol Cutters and surveillance ships for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. Oh, and another 1,000 jobs? That’s happening, too.

Teamwork That’s Making It Happen

When it comes to pulling off something this big, collaboration is key. 

Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, gave a nod to Austal USA’s visionary leadership and Alabama’s skilled workforce.

“This isn’t just a big win for Austal,” McNair said. “It’s a moment that proves Alabama can handle the most advanced shipbuilding technology out there. And we’re doing it with some of the best talent in the industry.”

It’s clear that this partnership between the state and Austal is setting a gold standard for what’s possible when innovation meets community-driven growth.

The Local Impact Is Huge

Here’s where things get really exciting: what this means for the Mobile area. 

Austal’s shipyard expansions are already pumping life into the local economy. 

In 2023 alone, more than 250 Alabama-based suppliers contributed $115 million to Austal’s projects. 

Small businesses are thriving, and a whopping 72% of Austal’s production workforce lives in Mobile County.

Bradley Byrne, President and CEO of the Mobile Chamber, summed it up perfectly: “This award isn’t just about Austal—it’s about the incredible strength of our region and the talent of our workforce. Mobile is proving it has what it takes to compete on a national and global scale.”

A Future Built on Innovation

This isn’t the same Austal that showed up in Alabama years ago. 

The company has gone from being an aluminum shipbuilder to a diversified powerhouse in defense manufacturing. 

The Mobile shipyard is at the heart of this transformation, turning Alabama into a hub for high-tech innovation and national security.

Governor Ivey put it best: “Alabama is building the future of defense manufacturing. These expansions prove that our state is critical to advancing U.S. national security while creating real economic benefits for our communities.”

With projects this ambitious, Mobile isn’t just keeping up—it’s leading the charge. 

And with this kind of momentum, the Gulf Coast’s future is looking brighter than ever.

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