Austal USA opens first phase of $450M submarine facility
Reading time: 2 minutes
This month, Austal USA celebrated the official opening of Phase I for its new Module Manufacturing Facility 3 (MMF3).
Company, local and state officials gathered for the first ribbon-cutting event of a more than $450 million investment in Mobile Bay.
Austal says the new facility will provide 390,000 square feet of indoor manufacturing space purpose-built to manufacture submarine modules. The production will support the U.S. Navy’s goal of delivering one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually.
It will include:
- Material storage area
- Machine shop
- Assembly area
- Waterfront improvements to support the shipment of the completed modules via barge
The company estimates roughly 1,200 jobs will be created in the first year with more than 5,000 expected by 2029.
The full facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2026. Austal hopes the completion of the building will have a lasting impact on submarine construction efforts + the future of manufacturing in Mobile.
Austal USA’s impact on Mobile Bay
Austal USA was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Mobile. The local facilities include over 1 million square feet of indoor manufacturing space + a modern steel panel line.
The company manufactures both aluminum and steel ships. Austal has worked extensively with the U.S. Navy in recent years.
Earlier this year, Austal USA was listed among “2026 America’s Dream Employers” by Forbes.
“Austal USA’s success reflects the skills, creativity, determination and enthusiasm of our people – and the culture of innovation that has been promoted across the organization for more than 25 years. With a continuing focus on delivering the best possible solutions for our clients’, Austal USA is committed to investing in our people and processes – ensuring that we exceed our clients’ and employee’s expectations.”
Austal USA
