An official visit by the Governor of Alabama to Austal’s Western Australian shipyard has underlined the mutually-beneficial relationship that exists between the two parties.
The visit by Governor Bob Riley allowed Austal to recognise the State of Alabama’s support during the establishment of its US shipyard, which over the past 10 years has grown to become the largest aluminium shipyard in the world.
The facility, located in Mobile, Alabama, currently employs almost 1,000 workers and is responsible for building the largest-ever aluminium ferry in the US. The shipyard has recently commenced construction on the second 416.5 ft Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the US Navy while preparing for sea trials on the first LCS, as well as finalising detailed design prior to construction on the first of ten 338 ft Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV) for the US Department of Defense.
Austal Managing Director Bob Browning said the State of Alabama’s continued efforts to attract business by offering a range of financial incentives had significantly contributed to Austal USA’s establishment.
“This support has played a key role in Austal’s decision to establish our facility in Alabama, creating a significant number of new jobs, which in turn has obvious benefits for the community of Mobile,” Browning said.
Since Austal USA’s establishment in 1999, the State of Alabama has contributed more than $10m in exchange for the company creating significant employment and training opportunities within the community.
Recently, the State of Alabama provided Austal USA with $5m to assist with the construction of a new state-of-the-art Modular Manufacturing Facility (MMF). Due for completion in coming months, the MMF will see further job growth at Austal USA and will be supported by the construction of a State-funded 5,570m2 training facility, two-thirds of which Austal USA will have exclusive use.
The visit by Alabama Governor Bob Riley included a tour of Austal’s Western Australian headquarters, after which he was presented with a commemorative gift in appreciation of his ongoing support.