MOBILE, Ala. – The City of Mobile’s Industrial Development Board has officially approved support of Austal USA’s new Module Manufacturing Facility 3 (MMF3), a more than $400 million investment that will create 1,162 new jobs and retain 2,671 jobs in the region.

“Austal’s investment in workforce development, infrastructure and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies ensures a bright future for Mobile’s industrial economy,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. “As Alabama’s maritime industry continues to grow, Austal’s presence strengthens the economic impact of Mobile’s shipbuilding sector, securing a key role in our nation’s defense strategy.”

The 369,600-square-foot MMF3 facility, which broke ground in October 2024, is a key component in Austal’s continued expansion and will support the U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class and Virginia-class submarine programs.

“Austal’s ongoing expansion in Mobile is a testament to the skill and dedication of our local workforce. This Module Manufacturing Facility will bring additional jobs to Mobile, boost the local economy, and enhance U.S. Naval defense capabilities. As Austal deepens its commitment to our community, the City of Mobile is proud to support its continued growth and success,” said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson.

“The Submarine Module Manufacturing Facility Project expansion is another major Austal investment demonstrating its confidence in Mobile County’s workforce and economy. This expansion’s 1,000 new jobs, capital impact, and retained positions will provide our workforce with incredible opportunities while strengthening our local economy for generations to come,” said Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood.

Timeline: The expansion marks another chapter in Austal’s ongoing development.

April 2022: Opens steel shipbuilding facility

• 1,000 new jobs
• $109M expansion

July 2024: Final Assembly Building FA2 & Ship Lift Groundbreaking

• 1,000 new jobs
• $288 Million expansion

October 2024: Groundbreaking for New Module Fabrication Facility for Submarine Production.

• 1,000 new jobs
• Project estimated at $450 million

Construction of MMF3 is expected to be completed in 2026

By the Numbers:

• $406 million capital investment
• 1,162 new jobs created
• 2,671 retained jobs

Why It Matters: This state-of-the-art facility will solidify Mobile’s role as a national leader in defense manufacturing, directly contributing to the U.S. Navy’s goal of delivering one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually. The project represents one of the largest private-sector investments in Mobile’s history and will fuel economic growth by providing high-paying, skilled manufacturing jobs.