Fairlead Boatworks announced this week it is investing more than $5 million to expand its operations at Newport News’ Seafood Industrial Park (SIP).
The company says the expansion will increase the “size and scope” of work done at the site through commercial and government contracts.
According to the company, the most significant improvements will be made to the “North Yard.”
“We are looking forward to expanding our operations in Newport News. Increasing our heavy lift capacity will allow us to conduct drydock repairs to many additional vessels. And, the completion of a 17,000 sq ft fabrication platen, coupled with a state of the art fabrication and coatings facility will also allow us to better support the large fabrication and integration requirements of our customers,” said Jerry Miller, owner of Fairlead Boatworks, Inc.
A flyover video recently posted to YouTube showed work already underway for the project.
A city spokesperson says the expansion is expected to lead to 25 new jobs over the next couple of years.