Construction crews have placed the final structural beam on Saronic Technologies’ $300 million shipyard expansion in Franklin, La.
The project, led by a joint venture between JE Dunn Construction and Alberici Constructors Inc., will add more than 300,000 sq. ft. to Saronic’s existing facility. The expansion includes three new slips, additional warehouse capacity and a dedicated production line for the company’s 180' Marauder autonomous ships.
Construction began in November 2025 and is scheduled for completion in early 2027. The project reached a peak workforce of approximately 200 craft professionals, engineers and project leaders.
“Franklin is central to how Saronic is scaling the next generation of American shipbuilding,” said Doug Lambert, Saronic co-founder and chief operating officer. “This expansion brings together modern infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and a growing skilled workforce to increase production capacity and deliver autonomous ships at scale.”
KPFF is serving as the project’s design partner. Structural steel was fabricated by Hillsdale Fabricators, an Alberici company.
The construction team said early procurement of critical materials and the joint venture’s self-performed work helped accelerate the construction schedule.
“Reaching this milestone reflects the exceptional collaboration and precision required to deliver a complex, large-scale shipyard facility on an accelerated schedule,” said Aaron Walsh, Alberici vice president and market leader.
Saronic acquired the Franklin shipyard in 2025 as part of its plan to expand production of autonomous vessels for defense and commercial applications.
