Rolls-Royce Naval Marine begins expansion on foundry in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Rolls-Royce Naval Marine, Inc., Derby, United Kingdom, began construction for the expansion of its foundry in Pascagoula, Miss., in January. The new facility will enhance manufacturing capabilities and improve production efficiency across a range of Marine propellers and submarine propulsors.

The facility's expansion will encompass 15,000-sq-ft of manufacturing space and will house a 10-meter gantry milling machine for machining propellers up to eight meters in diameters. According to the firm, this should triple the speed of the machining process.

"Mississippi is proud to have Rolls-Royce as an economic partner, and we certainly welcome this investment in our state and our workforce," said Mississippi Senator Trent Lott. "This expansion will sustain quality, high-skilled jobs in Jackson County, and I know the employees here will continue their tradition of providing world-class marine products for Rolls-Royce customers throughout the globe."

Currently, the foundry manufactures propellers for U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and various commercial vessels. It also casts propeller blades for U.S. Navy Destroyers and U.S. Navy Amphibious Transport Dock class. The propellers can range in size from 60 in. to 33 ft.

"Growing this facility also underscores our commitment to the U.S.," said James M. Guyette, president and CEO of Rolls-Royce North America. "Rolls-Royce is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. We've been in the U.S. for 98 of those years."