Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has confirmed a nearly US$100 million investment from industrial fabrication specialist Rhoads Industries to grow its manufacturing operations at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
Rhoads will build a new 95,000-square-foot (8,800-square-metre) manufacturing facility to increase its production capacity for the US Navy’s maritime industrial base, supporting its submarine program.
This new on-site facility will allow for a continuous fabrication process speeding up manufacturing and additional outfitting as well as provide direct access to a pier for barge shipping of completed products.
"With support from the commonwealth — including a new US$4 million investment and more than US$17 million over the past decade — Rhoads will expand its footprint, double its capacity for the US Navy’s submarine program, and strengthen our national security," said Governor Shapiro.
Founded and family‐owned since 1896, Rhoads is a provider of large-scale industrial fabrication, along with mechanical and maintenance maritime services.
In addition to field service and project skilled labour, the company has expansive shipyard facilities, and more than 300,000 square feet (28,000 square metres) of heavy manufacturing space located in the Navy Yard in Philadelphia.