MOBILE, Ala. – Austal USA’s transformative expansion in Mobile has earned the prestigious Business Facilities 2024 Deal of the Year Impact Award in the Defense Manufacturing category. This recognition highlights the project’s critical role in strengthening U.S. national security while driving significant economic growth and innovation along the Gulf Coast.

“This recognition underscores the significant role Austal USA plays in bolstering our national defense and driving economic growth and innovation on the Gulf Coast,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. “The dual expansions at Austal’s Mobile shipyard are a testament to our region’s industrial strength and skilled workforce, and we are proud to see their efforts honored with this prestigious award.”

The award celebrates Austal USA’s dual expansions at its Mobile shipyard, which represent a combined investment of $750 million and the creation of 2,000 new jobs. These projects include a cutting-edge submarine module fabrication facility and a state-of-the-art assembly facility for large steel ships, further solidifying Mobile’s reputation as a hub for advanced defense manufacturing.

“Austal USA is honored to be recognized with this award from Business Facilities Magazine,” stated Austal USA Vice President of Business Development & External Affairs Larry Ryder. “We have a highly skilled and patriotic workforce that is proud to support our service members by building the best ships and cutters in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.  This expansion could not have happened without the strong partnership we’ve forged with the Mobile community.  This award recognizing our most recent expansion is a testament to our continued growth and commitment to our service members and our community.”

“This honor reaffirms Alabama’s position as a leader in advanced defense manufacturing and innovation,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “Austal USA’s investments in Mobile not only strengthen our nation’s security but also provide a tremendous economic boost to our state. We are proud of Austal’s success and the impact these projects will have on our workforce, our communities and the entire Gulf Coast region.”

“Austal USA’s expansion represents a game-changing moment for Alabama’s economy and the future of U.S. defense manufacturing,” said Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce Ellen McNair. “These projects not only highlight the incredible talent of our workforce but also demonstrate Alabama’s ability to support the most sophisticated technological advancements in shipbuilding and submarine production.”

Driving Growth and Innovation
The submarine module Fabrication Facility, announced in October 2024, will support the U.S. Navy’s mission to deliver one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually. Featuring advanced technologies such as digital twins and automation, the 369,600-square-foot facility is set to create 1,000 jobs by late 2026. Meanwhile, the assembly facility for large steel ships, announced in July 2024, will enable Austal to produce vital vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, creating an additional 1,000 jobs.

Austal’s investments also bolster the local economy. In 2023, 259 Alabama-based suppliers, including more than 185 small businesses, contributed over $115 million to Austal’s projects. Approximately 72% of Austal’s production workforce resides in Mobile County, further underscoring the local impact of these expansions.

About the Award
Each year, Business Facilities magazine recognizes outstanding economic development projects that demonstrate excellence in job creation, capital investment and community impact. Austal USA’s award-winning expansions exemplify these qualities, marking a milestone in defense manufacturing and economic growth for the Gulf Coast region.

The Mobile Chamber extends its congratulations to Austal USA and its partners for earning this distinguished honor and for their continued commitment to innovation, excellence and community impact.

Click here to learn more about the Austal projects on the Mobile Matters Podcast with Larry Ryder.