General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Conn., has purchased the former Macy’s department store at a shopping mall in Waterford, Conn., as part of its ongoing infrastructure expansion to support increased submarine production for the U.S. Navy.
The 121,000-square-foot building, situated on 7.4 acres just over five miles from Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard, will be transformed into a hub for engineering, training, and laboratory operations. Approximately 700 employees are expected to begin work at the site as early as March 2027.
"Over the past two years, we successfully worked with the Navy, Congress, and the administration to secure funds that enable us to increase wages for the nuclear-powered vessel workforce and allow for significant additional investments in capacity, shipyard processes, and systems," said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "This acquisition is another example of effectively leveraging those funds to move important support functions out of the shipyard and maximize the production value of our waterfront footprint."
The move is part of a broader strategy to meet accelerating demand for Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines. In the past six months, Electric Boat has secured several key properties across Southeastern Connecticut, including a warehouse development site in North Stonington and multiple parcels along Thames Street in Groton.
"The acquisition of the Waterford location and other recent property acquisitions by our nation's largest submarine builder underscore the pivotal role our state plays in strengthening America's national security," U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02) said. "This new enterprise, focused on leading-edge Naval architecture, is another example of Electric Boat positioning itself to meet the Navy's and Congress' long-term commitment to our future submarine fleet."
The former Macy’s, connected to the Crystal Mall and near major transportation routes, provides Electric Boat with a strategically placed location that offers ample parking and proximity to local businesses — a logistical advantage for its growing workforce, the company said.
"Electric Boat looks forward to partnering with the local community to support our critical mission to build nuclear submarines. The Navy and our nation are counting on us," said Rayha.
Local officials also praised the development as a significant economic and cultural investment.
"The Town of Waterford is thrilled to welcome Electric Boat," said Waterford First Selectman Rob Brule. "Electric Boat's expansion to our town is a significant investment that reinforces our strong maritime history and our commitment to economic development for our community."
Electric Boat, a business unit of New York-listed General Dynamics, Reston, Va., employs more than 24,000 people and is the U.S. Navy’s primary builder of nuclear-powered submarines.
The company said it continues to evaluate further real estate acquisitions to support its growing operations and meet the Navy’s long-term strategic objectives.
