Hadrian announced on March 20 the opening of a new advanced manufacturing facility in Cherokee, Alabama, dedicated to supporting the U.S. Navy’s Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs. The $2.4 billion public-private partnership was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan, Representative Robert Aderholt, Representative Mike Rogers, Senator Roger Wicker, Senator Katie Britt, and Senator Tommy Tuberville.
The new facility, known as Factory 4, is designed to mass-produce components for submarine construction using highly automated processes. This initiative aims to address capacity shortfalls in the maritime industrial base and accelerate submarine production schedules. The contract combines more than $1.5 billion in private investment with $900 million from government funding through Navy appropriations.
Secretary Phelan said at the event that “the government cannot deliver the Golden Fleet alone—fast enough or at scale,” emphasizing that “private-sector partnership is not optional. It is foundational.” Chris Power, Founder and CEO of Hadrian, added: “The Administration has set the strategy, Congress has cleared a path, the Navy has set the requirement, and Secretary Phelan has been unambiguous that private-sector partnership is foundational, not optional, to deter threats to national security. Industry has to answer that call with real execution, and the window to do it is now. We are proud to be part of the coalition building that capacity, and this factory is Hadrian’s commitment to meeting this moment.”
The facility transforms a former railcar manufacturing site into an advanced production hub expected to reach full-rate capacity within 24 months of contract award. When fully operational, it will create up to 1,000 jobs in Northwest Alabama—a region historically challenged by labor shortages requiring specialized training for maritime manufacturing roles. Hadrian’s Opus platform automates complex steps so technicians can become productive within 30 days.
Senator Wicker said: “Hadrian’s factory opening today in Cherokee…is a testament to successful collaboration across our government and private sector…we are revitalizing American manufacturing right here at home.” Senator Britt called it “a transformational moment for the Shoals region,” highlighting job creation and economic growth linked with strengthening America’s defense industrial base.
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