US EditionLED: Franklin shipyard expanding, creating 3,200 jobs in La.'s Bayou Region
Saronic's $300 million expansion will add 300,000 sq ft and create about 3,270 jobs, enhancing Louisiana's role in defense and commercial maritime manufacturing.
- This year, Saronic Technologies, Inc. announced a $300 million investment to revamp the former Gulf Craft shipyard in Franklin, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana for autonomous surface vessels, with LED saying it will strengthen the state's advanced manufacturing base.
- After acquiring the Gulf Craft site earlier this year, Saronic targeted the U.S. Navy's unmanned vessels, prompting scale-up to prototype and build its 150-foot Marauder.
- The project will add more than 300,000 square feet with three new slips, a larger warehouse and a production line, while Saronic aims to produce 20 vessels annually and builds two Marauders.
- The expansion is expected to create 1,500 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of $87,936, and LED estimates 1,770 indirect jobs, supported by Louisiana incentives including a $2 million grant and $3 million EDAP.
- CEO Dino Mavrookas said the expansion will boost autonomous vessel production while the workforce grew from 35 to over 100 since Saronic acquired the yard, Mayor Eugene Foulcard stated, `It will help us from the standpoint of increased sales taxes and with more people coming into the city.
12 Articles
12 Articles
The Center Square
The HayrideMaritime drone maker Saronic to expand Louisiana shipyard
(The Center Square) – Saronic Technologies is expanding its autonomous surface vessels shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana, where the company plans to hire 1,500 workers to staff a facility that manufactures
Made in Acadiana: Saronic Technologies Expansion
FRANKLIN, La. (NEWS 15) — Exciting developments are underway in Franklin, as Saronic Technologies announced a major expansion that promises to bring 1,500 new jobs to the area. The shipbuilding company revealed plans for a $300 million investment to revitalize…
Drone shipbuilder plans to hire 1,500 for its St. Mary Parish facility
Saronic Technologies builds unmanned watercraft, such as the Spyglass boats shown here. The Austin, Texas-based company announced Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, it will expand a St. Mary Paish shipyard in acquired in April to build larger-scale vessels. (Photo courtesy of Saronic Technologies)Just months after it acquired a St. Mary Parish shipyard, a Texas company plans to increase the number of drone vessels it will build there and intends to hire 1…
LED: Franklin shipyard expanding, creating 3,200 jobs in La.'s Bayou Region
FRANKLIN, La. Saronic Technologies, Inc. is expanding operations in St. Mary Parish to increase production capacity at its autonomous surface vessels shipyard. The $300 million investment will strengthen Louisianas advanced manufacturing base and create new opportunities, according to Louisiana Economic Development (LED).The company is expected to create 1,500 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of $87,936 at full employment. When Saro…
Saronic Technologies invests 300 million dollars to expand Franklin shipyard and create jobs in Louisiana
Saronic expects to create 1,500 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of 87,936 dollars, which is 46 per cent above the St Mary Parish average wage. The company retained 35 workers when it acquired the shipyard in April and has since grown to more than 100 employees, with Louisiana Economic Development estimating 1,770 additional indirect jobs. “Saronic Technologies’ decision to invest in Louisiana speaks to the strength of our workforce…
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