Saronic Technologies to Invest $300 Million in Franklin Shipyard, Creating More Than 3,200 Jobs in Louisiana’s Bayou Region

Saronic Technologies, a fast-growing leader in autonomous vessel manufacturing, announced a major expansion of its Franklin shipyard that will bring new life to one of Louisiana’s most historic maritime communities. The company is investing $300 million to increase production capacity, strengthen the state’s advanced manufacturing base, and create more than 3,200 new job opportunities across the Bayou Region.

The project will create 1,500 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $87,936, nearly 50% above the St. Mary Parish average. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates an additional 1,770 indirect jobs, for a total of 3,270 potential new jobs supported by the expansion. Saronic, which acquired the former Gulf Craft shipyard earlier this year, has already grown the workforce from 35 to more than 100 employees.

Governor Jeff Landry said the investment underscores Louisiana’s long history as a national leader in maritime and defense manufacturing.

“Louisiana has long built the ships and technology that keep America strong,” Landry said. “This project shows that our people, our ports, and our pro-growth policies are creating jobs and securing our state’s place at the forefront of America’s defense economy.”

Major Expansion to Support Growing Demand

The Franklin project includes more than 300,000 square feet of new construction, three new slips, expanded warehouse space, and a dedicated line for large-vessel assembly. The upgrades will help Saronic scale production of autonomous surface vessels as demand increases across both defense and commercial sectors. Construction began in November 2025 and is expected to finish by the end of 2026, with expanded operations starting in 2027.

“Saronic’s shipyard expansion in Franklin represents a major step forward for American shipbuilding,” said Saronic Co-Founder and CEO Dino Mavrookas. “The strong support we have received from our state and local partners has enabled us to move quickly and confidently as we scale production. Together, we’re creating high-quality jobs, growing the Gulf Coast’s maritime economy, and building the advanced capabilities our nation needs.”

The company has already reached key milestones in Louisiana, including the keel-laying of the Marauder, a 150-foot autonomous vessel built at the Franklin facility.

A Boost for St. Mary Parish’s Economy

State and local officials praised the investment as a transformational opportunity for St. Mary Parish and the broader Bayou Region.

LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said the project leverages Louisiana’s deep maritime heritage.

“Saronic’s expansion draws on Louisiana’s historic strengths — a world-class maritime workforce, generations of shipbuilders and unmatched technical expertise,” Bourgeois said. “This project integrates new technology and innovation to ensure our state continues leading in the maritime and defense sectors for decades to come.”

St. Mary Parish President Sam Jones echoed that sentiment.

“This announcement sends a powerful message that we are a place of thriving opportunity and economic momentum,” Jones said. “This project is the beginning of a new era of economic leadership in South Louisiana.”

Economic development leaders across the region emphasized the project’s generational impact, citing its high wages, career pathways, and ability to strengthen supply chains and support local vendors.

Incentives to Support Growth

To secure the project, the state offered Saronic a competitive incentives package that includes LED FastStart workforce solutions, a $2 million performance-based grant, and $3 million from the Economic Development Award Program for facility and infrastructure improvements. The company is also expected to participate in the Quality Jobs Program.

“This opportunity is proof of Louisiana’s economic development comeback story,” said St. Mary Economic Development Director Evan Boudreaux. “The scale of investment and the quality of jobs Saronic will create will have a generational impact.”

Christy Zeringue, President and CEO of COLAB, said the project reinforces the Bayou Region’s position as a hub for global maritime technology.

“This $300 million project brings together a skilled workforce and next-generation technology to support U.S. defense and drive meaningful economic growth,” Zeringue said. “It strengthens both our local economy and Louisiana’s role in the maritime and energy landscape.”