Rolls-Royce opens new facility to support US Navy programmes
Rolls-Royce has completed an $11 million investment in its flagship US Naval Defense campus with the opening of a new high-tech manufacturing, repair and test facility.
Image courtesy Rolls-Royce
The 25,000ft² facility will enhance and modernise the company’s naval operations in Walpole, adding waterjet maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) servicing to its portfolio of world-class capabilities.
Dan Rediger, Rolls-Royce Head of Naval Operations – Defense said: “We’re excited to add this new capability so we can better serve our US Navy customers. Our Walpole team has proudly equipped the Navy for more than 50 years and this investment ensures that we can continue to meet their growing needs for decades to come.”
As the US Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme continues to mature, Rolls-Royce is seeing an increased demand for spare equipment and MRO services associated with scheduled maintenance. Each Freedom class variant of the LCS is equipped with four Rolls-Royce waterjets that were designed and manufactured on the company’s Walpole campus. The new facility gives Rolls-Royce the capacity and capability to perform the waterjet MRO work in Walpole, as well.
Rolls-Royce is a global leader in propulsion equipment and continues to provide unparalleled products and services to the US Navy. 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.
Tom Bell, President, Rolls-Royce Defense and Chairman & CEO Rolls-Royce North America said: “We are proud to provide the power to protect in support of our United States Department of Defense customers. This investment is a clear signal that we remain committed to meeting their needs both today and well into the future with world-class, American-made products and services.”
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 Walpole campus.
Mike Kennealy, Massachusetts Housing and Economic Development Secretary said: “I want to congratulate Rolls-Royce for expanding their footprint in Massachusetts, which promises to increase regional access to employment opportunities in high-tech manufacturing. The Commonwealth has made great strides in building a talented workforce and fostering innovation and this facility ensures Rolls-Royce will continue to play an important role in our ecosystem well into the future."