UK, October 6. Rolls-Royce has completed a major investment in its Pascagoula, Mississippi site that will provide increased capabilities and capacity to support USNavy programs.
A new 26,000ft2 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 – Defense said: “We’re excited to complete a second major US investment in our naval capabilities since 2020, with the opening of this new facility in Pascagoula, Mississippi. 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 program. Last year, Rolls-Royce reached agreement with Fincantieri Marinette Marine to design and manufacture up to 40 propellers for the program.
Rolls-Royce is a global 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. Rolls-Royce 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.
Governor Tate Reeves, state of Mississippi said: “Rolls-Royce’s investment in Mississippi won’t just help to propel the world’s greatest naval fleet – it will also help to further propel our state’s growing economy. Whether it’s over land, in the air, or at sea, Mighty Mississippi is helping our military defend freedom around the globe. I’m grateful for Rolls-Royce’s commitment to our state and look forward to seeing the new facility’s positive impact on Pascagoula and our Gulf Coast.”
George Freeland, Executive Director, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation said: “Jackson County, Mississippi values its long-standing partnership with Rolls Royce Naval Marine. This project is the result of years of collaboration between the community and RRNM and is the culmination of our shared vision of the company’s ever-expanding presence in our community.”
Rolls-Royce Naval Marine
For more than 50 years, Rolls-Royce has delivered key ship propulsor systems for our Naval Defense customers. From design and development through aftermarket support and product servicing, we provide the power that matters for our customers across a broad range of applications.
Rolls-Royce supports more than 70 navies worldwide, including our largest customer, the US Navy. We provide propulsion products* for a wide range of US Navy platforms including Frigates, Destroyers, Combatants, Submarines, Aircraft Carriers, Amphibious ships, Fleet Support and Auxiliary Ships, as well as US Coast Guard Cutters.
*Propulsion equipment includes Controllable-Pitch Propellers, Fixed-Pitch Propellers and Waterjets.
Rolls-Royce North America
In addition to Mississippi, Rolls-Royce North America operates in 26 other states. Rolls-Royce recently completed a $600 million investment in advanced manufacturing facilities and technology in Indianapolis, transforming its manufacturing capabilities in support of the Navy and other US Department of Defense customers. Another $400 million has been invested by the company in new testing facilities in Indiana, which are under construction. The revitalized facilities are highly efficient and are delivering improvements across all areas of digital design and manufacturing. The modernized and digitized facilities have already significantly improved energy efficiency and helped Rolls-Royce in its journey to become net-zero in carbon use in operations by 2030.
All branches of the US armed forces fly aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce engines. That includes C-130 and C-130J transports, V-22 tiltrotor aircraft, and Global Hawk and Triton high-altitude unmanned aircraft. Rolls-Royce also powers the Navy’s MQ-25 unmanned carrier-based refueling aircraft, and recently won the B-52 re-engine program for the Air Force. Rolls-Royce also provides engines, propellers and other equipment for Navy ships and Army vehicles.
About the Department of Defense DPA Title III Program
The Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Program for the Department of Defense is dedicated to ensuring the timely availability of essential domestic industrial resources to support national defense and homeland security requirements now and in the future. The program works in partnership with the uniformed services, other government agencies, and industry to identify areas where critical industrial capacity is lagging or non-existent. Once a need is identified, the program engages with US and Canadian companies to mitigate these risks using grants, purchase commitments, loans, or loan guarantees. By executing its mission, the DPA Title III Program reduces the nation’s reliance on foreign supply chains, ensures the integrity of materials supplied to the American Warfighter, and helps create a resilient, robust, and secure defense industrial base.
