Rolls Breaks Ground On U.S. Navy Support Facility

Rolls-Royce said it is investing US$7.7 million to create new manufacturing, repair and test capability in support of U.S. Navy programs.

Rolls-Royce officially launched construction on a24 000 sq. ft. facility for naval operations in Walpole, Massachusetts. The facility is slated to be finished in 2020.

Upon 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 U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program to ramp up beginning next year. Each Freedom class variant of the LCS is equipped with four Rolls-Royce waterjets.

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 U.S. Navy Surface Warfare fleet.

“We’re excited to announce this important investment in our naval business,” said Tom Bell, Rolls-Royce plc President – Defense and Rolls-Royce North America Chairman & CEO. “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 U.S. Department of Defense.

“The new facility in Walpole is just one of many significant U.S. investments Rolls-Royce Defense will highlight in 2020, as we continue to provide world-class American made products and services to support the U.S. military around the world.”

For more than 50 years, Rolls-Royce Walpole has delivered key ship propulsor systems for our Naval Defense customers. From design and development through aftermarket support and product servicing, we provide the power that matters for our customers across a broad range of applications.

Rolls-Royce supports more than 70 navies worldwide, including our largest customer, the U.S. Navy. The provides propulsion products for a wide range of U.S. Navy platforms including Frigates, Destroyers, Combatants, Submarines, Aircraft Carriers, Amphibious ships, Fleet Support and Auxiliary Ships, as well as U.S. Coast Guard Cutters.

Rolls-Royce employs 6,000 people in 27 states across the U.S. Rolls-Royce said it has invested nearly US$1 billion in Research and Development in the U.S. since 2013.