18 December2019: Rolls-Royce has broken the ground on its new facility to support US Navy programmes. The company is investing $7.7 million to create new manufacturing, repair and test capability in support of US Navy programmes.
The facility is expected to be completed by late 2020. The 24,000 square foot facility will enhance and modernise the company's naval operations in Walpole.
After the completion, Rolls-Royce's flagship Naval Defense facility will add water jet maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) servicing to its portfolio of world-class capabilities. Rolls-Royce expects demand for spare equipment and MRO services associated with the US Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme to ramp up starting next year. Each Freedom class variant of the LCS is equipped with four Rolls-Royce waterjets.
Tom Bell, Rolls-Royce plc President - Defense and Rolls-Royce North America Chairman & CEO said, "We're excited to announce this important investment in our naval business. Rolls-Royce is bringing critical new capabilities to the region, reaffirming our strong commitment to the U.S. and our largest global Defense customer - the US Department of Defense.
"The new facility in Walpole is just one of many significant US investments Rolls-Royce Defense will highlight in 2020, as we continue to provide world-class American made products and services to support the US military around the world," added Tom.