By Frank Corder, Magnolia Tribune
(Photo from SubSea Craft website)
The Mississippi Development Authority announced Thursday that SubSea Craft is locating operations in Hancock County.
The advanced maritime technology company is investing nearly $6.1 million and bringing 56 jobs to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Camilla Martin, Chief Executive Officer, SubSea Craft, said the United States is a key market for SubSea Craft, and Hancock County provides an ideal location to meet growing demand for autonomous maritime systems.
SubSea Craft, headquartered in Portsmouth, England, develops and delivers advanced maritime platforms and autonomous technologies for customers across defense, security and commercial markets, with growing operations in the United States.
“This facility will enable us to manufacture, integrate, test and support advanced autonomous maritime systems at pace, strengthening our ability to support both U.S. and international customers while creating highly skilled jobs in the region,” Martin said. “We are excited to join Mississippi’s growing maritime and advanced manufacturing community and look forward to being a long-term partner in the state.”
MDA said the company is locating in an existing facility at Port Bienville, where it will establish its primary U.S. commercial production center.
From the Bay St. Louis location, the company will manufacture advanced composite components for autonomous surface vessels, conduct testing and software validation and provide maintenance and technical support for customers across the country.
“Every time a company chooses Mississippi, it’s a win for the people who live here. SubSea Craft’s $6 million investment will bring 56 high-tech jobs to Hancock County and add to the momentum we’re seeing in our Gulf Coast’s blue economy,” Governor Tate Reeves said. “We’ve said for years that Mississippi workers can compete with anyone in the world, and companies keep proving us right. These are the kinds of jobs that give our people the opportunity to build careers in advanced industries right here at home.”
The Mississippi Development Authority noted that the state agency is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program, while Hancock County and AccelerateMS are also assisting with the project.
“After considering multiple locations for this project, SubSea Craft found what it needed in Hancock County to move fast and get to work,” Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork said. “Port Bienville offers existing space and strong infrastructure that can turn a site decision into an operating facility without wasting time, plus Gulf access that is crucial for advanced maritime and defense technology. We have the assets and the workforce to compete in the blue economy, and SubSea Craft’s decision proves it.”