Photo: Rolls-RoyceRolls-Royce has completed a major investment in its Pascagoula, Mississippi site that will provide increased capabilities and capacity to support US Navy programmes.
A new 26,000ft
2 facility, with foundry and machining equipment provided by a US Department of Defense DPA Title III grant, will increase the company’s ability to manufacture propellers and propulsor components for naval platforms.
Dan Rediger, Rolls-Royce head of naval operations — Defence, said: “We are excited to complete a second major US investment in our naval capabilities since 2020, with the opening of this new facility. Rolls-Royce is proud to play a vital role in the shipbuilding supply chain and we remain committed to supporting the growing needs of the US Navy with world-class, American-made products and services.”
Some of the first work to be delivered from the new facility will be fixed-pitch propellers for the US Navy’s Constellation-class (FFG-62) guided missile frigate programme. Last year, Rolls-Royce reached agreement with Fincantieri Marinette Marine to design and manufacture up to 40 propellers for the programme.
Rolls-Royce is a world leader in propulsion equipment, manufacturing controllable-pitch propeller systems, fixed-pitch propellers, and water jets at its Pascagoula site. The company is the sole supplier of shock-rated propeller systems, which have demonstrated extraordinary levels of reliability and robustness in service. The company’s propulsion equipment can be found on more than 95% of the US Navy Surface Warfare fleet.
Additional support for the project was provided by Jackson County, the state of Mississippi and others to include land, roadway and other infrastructure improvements, and additional workforce development assistance. The investment is also expected to have a positive impact on the region, bringing new business to the local economy and new high-tech manufacturing jobs to the Rolls-Royce Pascagoula site.