News Summary
Anduril Industries is set to establish a new manufacturing facility for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, scheduled to open in late 2025. This facility aims to significantly enhance production capabilities, ramping up output to over 200 AUVs annually and creating over 100 jobs within five years. The move responds to an increasing market demand and a recent contract awarded by the U.S. Navy, positioning Anduril as a key player in the defense sector’s underwater technology.
Rhode Island Welcomes New AUV Manufacturing Facility
Anduril Industries has announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in Quonset Point, Rhode Island. This facility is expected to open in late 2025 and will begin operational production in early 2026, with plans to reach full production capacity by the end of that year.
Production Capacity and Job Creation
The new manufacturing complex will cover a scalable space ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 square feet. This facility aims to significantly increase AUV production capabilities, targeting an output of more than 200 Dive-LD AUVs annually, compared to the current production rate of 12 hulls per year at the existing facility located in Quincy, Massachusetts. Additionally, the establishment of the new facility is projected to create over 100 jobs within five years of its opening.
Responding to Market Demand
The decision to open the Quonset Point facility is a strategic response to the growing demand for AUVs, particularly in light of an $18.6 million contract recently awarded to Anduril by the U.S. Navy. This contract underscores the urgency from the defense sector for advanced underwater technology. Beyond merely increasing output, the new facility is intended to demonstrate Anduril’s capability of fulfilling large-scale governmental contracts.
Current Production Challenges
At the Quincy location, production capacity can be temporarily ramped up to 24 units per year through additional shifts. However, the existing facility lacks the necessary space to meet the anticipated future demand for AUVs. As a result, the new Rhode Island facility is viewed as a critical step to alleviate these production constraints and enhance overall operational efficiency.
Design and Technological Innovations
The Dive-LD AUV has been designed with scalability in mind, utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf components, a modular design, and advanced manufacturing techniques. These innovations allow for rapid iterations and adaptations based on evolving customer needs, which positions the product as a leader in the defense contracting space.
Strategic Location
Quonset Point has been identified as an optimal location for this new facility due to a rich ecosystem of undersea expertise, access to a specialized workforce, and proximity to several key defense contractors, including the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. This strategic positioning is expected to enhance collaboration and innovation within the sector.
Conclusion
As Anduril Industries prepares to expand its operational footprint, the new AUV manufacturing facility in Rhode Island promises to play a significant role in meeting the increasing demands of the defense industry while also bolstering job creation in the local economy. The facility marks a significant advancement in the capabilities of AUV production and positions Anduril as a pivotal player in the future of underwater technology.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Anduril’s Dive XL: Setting New Standards for Maritime Autonomy
- The Defense Post: Anduril Underwater Drone Factory in Rhode Island
- Janes: Anduril Builds New Factory in Rhode Island
- Defense News: Anduril to Build Factory to Increase Dive-LD Unmanned Systems Capacity
- Manufacturing Dive: Anduril’s $1.5 Billion Funding Boost
- Wikipedia: Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
- Google Search: Anduril Industries
- Google Scholar: Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Underwater Vehicle
- Google News: AUV Manufacturing
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
