Newport News Shipbuilding expands presence at Bushy Park with W International acquisition
Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, has expanded its footprint in South Carolina‘s defense manufacturing sector following its acquisition of W International. The move strengthens Newport News Shipbuilding’s naval shipbuilding operations, enhancing its ability to support the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding program while reinforcing Bushy Park industrial site as a hub for advanced manufacturing.
The acquisition underscores the growing significance of South Carolina’s defense industry, which continues to attract major players investing in defense manufacturing capabilities. Newport News Shipbuilding’s expansion into Bushy Park industrial site follows a broader trend of defense contractors establishing operations in strategically located industrial parks with robust infrastructure.
What the Acquisition Means for Bushy Park and Naval Shipbuilding
Newport News Shipbuilding, headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, is the only shipyard in the United States capable of designing, building, and maintaining nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. By acquiring W International, the company gains an additional production facility with established defense manufacturing capabilities, further optimizing its supply chain and operations.
The Bushy Park industrial site, spanning 1,530 acres in Goose Creek, South Carolina, has housed W International since 2018. The company’s defense manufacturing facility covers 45 acres and features four large buildings totaling 451,000 square feet, employing approximately 500 workers. This acquisition is expected to maintain current operational levels while integrating Newport News Shipbuilding’s advanced shipbuilding expertise into the facility.
According to Kent Fonvielle, President of Bushy Park, Newport News Shipbuilding’s arrival aligns with the site’s ongoing expansion as a center for high-tech defense and industrial manufacturing:
“We are thrilled to welcome Newport News Shipbuilding to Bushy Park. NNS’ presence will undoubtedly contribute to the vibrant industrial community we are cultivating.”
Bushy Park’s Role in Defense Manufacturing and U.S. Navy Shipbuilding
The acquisition comes as Bushy Park industrial site continues to attract defense contractors engaged in critical naval shipbuilding operations. The site is also home to Leonardo DRS, which is investing $120 million in a state-of-the-art manufacturing, integration, and testing facility for the U.S. Navy’s submarine propulsion systems. The facility, currently under construction, is expected to be fully operational by 2026.
With the addition of Newport News Shipbuilding’s operations, Bushy Park will house two of the largest defense contractors supporting the U.S. Navy, further cementing South Carolina’s role in defense manufacturing and shipbuilding.
William Crawford, CEO of Pacolet Milliken, which owns Bushy Park, emphasized the site’s strategic advantages:
“The decision of Leonardo DRS to establish operations here and Newport News Shipbuilding to acquire W International is a testament to the value and quality that Bushy Park offers. Its location, workforce availability, and unique infrastructure—including water access—make it an ideal site for supporting these manufacturers.”
Why Bushy Park is a Prime Location for Defense Contractors
Bushy Park’s strategic location near Charleston, South Carolina, offers significant logistical advantages for defense manufacturing capabilities. The industrial site provides critical infrastructure that supports large-scale naval shipbuilding operations, including:
- Onsite rail and barge slip access, facilitating the transport of heavy components
- A full suite of utilities, including steam, nitrogen, compressed air, electricity, natural gas, and process water
- A growing defense manufacturing workforce, supported by proximity to naval bases and technical training centers
As demand for naval shipbuilding operations grows, Newport News Shipbuilding’s expansion at Bushy Park positions the company to meet increasing defense industry needs while leveraging South Carolina’s skilled workforce.
Pacolet Milliken’s Long-Term Vision for Bushy Park
Pacolet Milliken, LLC, a Greenville, South Carolina-based investment firm, owns and operates Bushy Park industrial site as part of its power and infrastructure division. The company focuses on strategic real estate and industrial investments, with an emphasis on renewable energy, regulated utilities, and large-scale industrial development.
Bushy Park is a key component of Pacolet Milliken’s long-term vision to develop high-value industrial and defense manufacturing hubs that attract major defense contractors and advanced manufacturers. With Newport News Shipbuilding’s arrival, Bushy Park is positioned to play an even greater role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding program and advancing South Carolina’s growing defense industry.
Newport News Shipbuilding’s Future at Bushy Park
With Newport News Shipbuilding’s acquisition of W International, the company strengthens its defense manufacturing capabilities while expanding its presence in the South Carolina defense sector. The move not only enhances Bushy Park’s industrial ecosystem but also reinforces the site’s status as a hub for advanced naval shipbuilding operations.
As Newport News Shipbuilding integrates its operations at Bushy Park, industry analysts expect continued investments in high-tech defense infrastructure, increased job opportunities, and a growing role for South Carolina in the U.S. defense industry.
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