Final beam placed on new submarine propulsion facility in Goose Creek
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A major industrial milestone was celebrated Friday morning as Leonardo DRS, a defense technology company, placed the final support beam atop its new manufacturing and testing facility at Bushy Park Industrial Complex in Goose Creek.
“We’re doing the top off, which is a ceremony that shows the progression of the plant and its completion. It’s a very big item for the community and our industrial site here. With DRS coming here, it’s going to employ a lot of folks with good-paying jobs and economic development for our community,” Cody Baker, Vice President of Business Development and Manufacturing at Bushy Park Industrial Complex, said.
Employees, local leaders and project stakeholders gathered to witness the placement of the final beam, marking the end of two years of hard work and commitment.
“So, the completion here will be roughly 140,000 square feet, a manufacturing facility focused on propulsion systems for the US Navy. So, it is very big, particularly given the history in Charleston with the Navy,” Baker said.
As the Navy continues its modernization efforts, the Charleston facility is set to play a vital role in advancing submarine propulsion technology, further solidifying the region’s significance in the defense sector.
Senior Vice President and General Manager for Naval Power Systems at Leonardo, Jon Miller, said this project marks a key moment in the future of U.S. naval capabilities.
“This is not just your average building. We’re going to be doing pretty special things here. We will be building large electric motors, which are the propulsion system for the next class of submarines for the US Navy. And then ultimately, we’ll also be building and testing steam turbine generators, which will power that motor and also provide the power for the submarines,” he said.
Miller said the 140,000-square-foot building will be used to support the U.S. Navy’s submarine and shipbuilding efforts.
“This is a great day for Leonardo DRS, and I’ll be a little bold and say a great day for the U.S. Navy. This is a big milestone for us to help. If you watch the news today, you know we’re in the middle of a Navy buildup, and this is a very important capability for the Navy. And this will be a national asset, one-of-a-kind facility when we’re finished. The only one in the country providing capabilities for our nuclear submarine,” Miller said.
He said Friday was a deeply patriotic day not just because the facility will help strengthen national security, but will also create jobs and boost the local economy.
Miller highlighted that one advantage of choosing the Charleston area for the facility is the opportunity to engage with local college and university students to help connect new graduates with job opportunities right out of school.
“So, one of the advantages of the Charleston area is we’re able to engage with local school systems and colleges in the area. So, we’ll be drawing both technician talent and engineering design talent to come in and help us with development and testing. So, we’ve already begun a great interaction with the local community, and I expect that just to continue to grow,” Miller said.
He anticipates the facility will start with just under 100 employees, with plans for the workforce to grow over time.
The facility is set to open in 2026 and is on track to receive its certificate of occupancy by November.
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