News Summary
HII is set to acquire W International, a local metal fabricator in Charleston, South Carolina, marking a significant boost for the region’s shipbuilding industry. The acquisition, pending regulatory approval, aims to enhance manufacturing capabilities for submarine modules by 2025. HII plans to retain nearly all W International employees, indicating a commitment to local talent. This move reflects the growing demand for naval vessels and positions Charleston as a key player in meeting future Navy production needs.
Big News in Charleston: HII Acquires W International!
Charleston, South Carolina is buzzing with excitement as HII, a major Navy shipbuilder, gears up to acquire *nearly all* of the assets of W International, a local metal fabricator. This strategic move is set to launch a new era of submarine module construction right here in the Lowcountry by 2025. It looks like the Charleston shipbuilding scene is about to get a serious boost!
What’s the Scoop?
The deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, is still pending some regulatory approvals. While there’s been a hush-hush policy on the financial details, one thing is clear: this acquisition marks a significant step for HII as they ramp up their production capabilities to meet increasing demands from the Navy.
The facilities in question are situated on a sprawling 45-acre site in Charleston, featuring a massive 480,000 square feet of manufacturing space. These state-of-the-art facilities come equipped with barge and rail access, which makes transporting these submarine modules incredibly efficient. It’s a prime location that screams potential!
Boosting Employment for the Future
In a positive turn of events for the local workforce, HII plans to extend job offers to *almost all* current employees of W International. Since the announcement, it’s been reported that an impressive 99% of W International’s legacy workforce have accepted offers to stay and contribute to this exciting new chapter. This kind of commitment demonstrates HII’s dedication to nurturing the local talent pool.
What Lies Ahead?
Initially focusing on submarine module construction, HII has hinted at *expanding* into aircraft carrier unit builds in the future. This expansion aligns perfectly with the Navy’s push to strengthen the submarine industrial base. With a goal of bringing on an additional 140,000 shipyard workers in the coming decade, the new Charleston facility is set to play a significant role in meeting these ambitious recruitment targets.
The Charleston area is well-regarded for its *highly skilled workforce* and growing shipbuilding ecosystem, making it an ideal location for HII’s expansion efforts. As the demand for advanced naval capabilities continues to rise, HII’s commitment to bolstering its manufacturing footprint couldn’t come at a better time.
Industry Impact
HII’s acquisition of W International is more than just a business deal; it’s a clear signal that the demand for naval vessels is navigating towards an exciting *upward trajectory*. Enhancing manufacturing capabilities to support the Navy’s objectives is at the core of this strategic acquisition, and it’s bound to have a ripple effect throughout the local economy.
With advanced facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and efficient manufacturing processes, HII aims to leverage the resources at their new Charleston site to fulfill their military contracts with remarkable efficiency. The future indeed looks bright for the shipbuilding industry in South Carolina!
Conclusion
As Charleston welcomes this new endeavor, local residents can take pride in the fact that their city is becoming a focal point for submarine module construction. With HII at the helm, the excitement is just beginning. Who knows what other developments lie ahead? Stay tuned to see how this vibrant coastal city continues to evolve in the world of naval shipbuilding!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Live 5 News: New Navy Shipyard Coming to Goose Creek
- Wikipedia: Submarine
- WorkBoat: HII to Acquire South Carolina Metal Fabricator
- Google Search: Navy shipbuilding
- Charleston Business: HII Closes on Charleston County Acquisition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nuclear Submarine
- Breaking Defense: HII to Acquire Facilities for Sub Construction
- Google News: HII Acquisition
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
