A depiction of Marauder to be made at Saronic’s new shipyard in Louisiana. Photo Courtesy of Saronic
Creating 3,200 Jobs in Louisiana’s Bayou Region; Major shipyard expansion to support autonomous vessel production, strengthen U.S. defense capabilities, and create thousands of new jobs in St. Mary Parish
FRANKLIN, La. — Saronic Technologies, Inc. is significantly expanding its operations in St. Mary Parish, announcing a $300 million investment to increase production capacity at its autonomous surface vessel shipyard. The project marks one of the most transformative manufacturing investments in the Bayou Region in recent years, expected to generate 1,500 direct new jobs and create a total of 3,270 new employment opportunities statewide when indirect jobs are included.
Governor Jeff Landry said the expansion reflects Louisiana’s historic role in America’s defense manufacturing and its growing leadership in advanced maritime innovation. “Saronic Technologies’ decision to invest in Louisiana speaks to the strength of our workforce and the state’s leadership in defense manufacturing,” Landry said. “Louisiana has long built the ships and technology that keep America strong. This project shows that our people, our ports and our pro-growth policies are securing our state’s place at the forefront of America’s defense economy.”
Transforming a Historic Shipyard Into a Center of Autonomous Vessel Production
Saronic established its Louisiana footprint with the acquisition of the former Gulf Craft shipyard in April 2025, retaining 35 employees and growing its workforce to more than 100 within months. The expansion will add over 300,000 square feet to the Franklin shipyard—featuring new slips, a larger warehouse, and a dedicated production line for large-vessel assembly.
Co-Founder and CEO Dino Mavrookas emphasized how the expansion deepens the company’s commitment to Louisiana. “Saronic’s shipyard expansion in Franklin represents a major step forward for American shipbuilding, and we’re proud to deepen our roots here,” Mavrookas said. “The strong support from our state and local partners has enabled us to move quickly as we scale production of our autonomous vessels. Together, we’re creating high-quality jobs, growing the Gulf Coast’s maritime economy, and building the advanced maritime capabilities our nation needs.”
The company recently completed the keel-laying of its first 150-foot vessel, the Marauder, marking a major milestone for autonomous shipbuilding in the United States.
LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois noted that Saronic’s growth builds on generations of shipbuilding heritage in the region. “Saronic’s expansion draws on Louisiana’s historic strengths — a world-class maritime workforce and unmatched technical expertise,” Bourgeois said. “This project builds on that legacy by integrating new technology and innovation to ensure our state continues leading the maritime and defense sectors for decades to come.”
Strengthening the Bayou Region’s Economy and Workforce
Local leaders say the project marks a defining moment for St. Mary Parish. Construction began in November 2025 and will conclude by the end of 2026, with expanded operations beginning in 2027.
St. Mary Parish President Sam Jones said the investment signals renewed economic momentum.
“As a life-long resident of St. Mary Parish with over 40 years of public service, this announcement sends a powerful message that we are a place of thriving opportunity,” Jones said. “St. Mary Parish’s best days are ahead, and this project marks the beginning of a new era of economic leadership in South Louisiana.”
Economic development leaders echoed the significance of the project.
St. Mary Economic Development Director Evan Boudreaux called the expansion a generational opportunity:
“The scale of investment and the quality of jobs Saronic will create will have a generational impact—supporting our families, expanding career pathways, and reinforcing St. Mary’s position as a competitive destination for advanced industry.”
COLAB President and CEO Christy Zeringue added that the project aligns with the region’s growing industrial momentum. “This $300 million investment brings together a skilled workforce and next-generation technology to support U.S. defense and drive meaningful economic growth,” she said. “With 1,500 new jobs and hundreds more supported across the region, it reinforces our position as a place where innovative companies can succeed.”
Competitive Incentives to Support the Shipyard Expansion
To secure the project, Louisiana offered Saronic a competitive incentives package that includes:
- LED FastStart® workforce development support
- A $2 million performance-based grant
- $3 million in EDAP funding for infrastructure and facility improvements
- Anticipated participation in the Quality Jobs Program
These tools will help the company scale its manufacturing capacity while creating long-term employment opportunities for Louisiana residents.
Residents interested in working at the new shipyard can register to be notified about Saronic job openings and hiring events, while Louisiana-based companies are encouraged to register at SourceLouisiana.com to access vendor and contracting opportunities.
About Saronic Technologies
Saronic Technologies designs and manufactures Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) for defense and commercial use, delivering highly interoperable, modular, and scalable platforms engineered for rapid production. The company’s growing fleet ranges from the 24-foot Corsair to the 180-foot Marauder, with vertically integrated manufacturing and advanced hardware and software technologies. Learn more at www.saronic.com.
About Louisiana Economic Development
Louisiana Economic Development drives capital investment, job creation, and long-term economic opportunity across the state. Learn how LED is building a stronger and more competitive future at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
