HII to Acquire W Intl., Expanding Shipbuilding Capabilities in South Carolina!
By Ashutosh Arora
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of W Intl. SC LLC and Vivid Empire SC LLC, collectively known as W Intl. The Goose Creek, South Carolina-based company is renowned for its expertise in fabricating complex metal structures, modules, and assemblies for shipbuilding.
Upon finalizing the acquisition, the facility in Goose Creek will operate as Newport News Shipbuilding – Charleston Operations, a part of HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. The Charleston Operations will play a critical role in supporting U.S. Navy programs by constructing nuclear-powered submarine and aircraft carrier modules and structures. Importantly, nearly all current W Intl. employees will be offered positions with HII, ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining local employment opportunities.
The acquisition includes over 480,000 square feet of manufacturing space, fully equipped with advanced tooling and infrastructure for fabricating intricate metal components. This expansion reinforces HII’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for U.S. Navy shipbuilding initiatives, leveraging the Goose Creek facility’s capabilities to meet the growing demands of national defense.
This move signifies HII’s continued investment in advanced manufacturing and skilled workforce development, ensuring that the Newport News Shipbuilding division remains at the forefront of maritime innovation and naval support.
