(The Center Square) – The commonwealth is celebrating another major investment of private capital toward its economic goals.
Gov. Josh Shapiro spoke from the Philadelphia Navy Yard Thursday to announce the development of a $100 million 95,000 square foot manufacturing facility from Rhoads Industries.
The facility will be used for making submarine parts which can be sent directly from the port to their next destination. It will be part of the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base. The new space will be an addition to Rhoads’ 300,000 square feet in the Navy Yard.
“This investment by the Commonwealth will expedite and accelerate our production output and rapid hiring by at least one year,” said Dan Rhoads, Jr., CEO, Rhodes Industries
The project is expected to retain 541 existing positions while creating at least an additional 450 jobs. Rhoads offers a three-year apprenticeship program along with Boilermakers Local 19 to prepare high school CTE graduates for manufacturing careers meeting military specification requirements.
“Throughout the last two years that I’ve been at Rhoads Industries, I’ve been offered so many amazing experiences — from the welding certs I’m allowed to acquire to the events I’m invited to be part of, and all of the people I have the joy of working with along the way,” said Boots Olson, a welding apprentice at Rhoads Industries. “It’s taught me that every weld you put down represents who you are as a welder and what your workmanship looks like — and it takes a lot of pride to represent the industry the way it deserves.”
“Shipbuilding has always been a key part of Philadelphia’s identity and our economy,” said Shapiro. “With support from the Commonwealth — including a new $4 million investment and more than $17 million over the past decade — Rhoads will expand its footprint, double its capacity for the U.S. Navy’s submarine program, and strengthen our national security.”
Shapiro has been eager to continue carving out Pennsylvania’s role as a major player in the defense industry. Recent investments in data centers and biotechnology have presented opportunities to highlight the state’s potential to extend the reach of its STEM capacities beyond major universities.
“This investment supports our national security and economic security, and strengthens our manufacturing sector in Southeastern Pennsylvania, one of the key industries we’re focusing on in the Governor’s economic development strategy,” said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger.
The project includes a $4 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant from the department. The Keystone Opportunity Zone where the Navy Yard is located also offers “significant tax savings.”
