FRANKLIN, La. — Saronic Technologies, Inc. has announced a major expansion of its autonomous vessel manufacturing operations in St. Mary Parish, committing $300 million to increase production capacity at its Franklin shipyard. The project marks a significant boost to Louisiana’s advanced manufacturing and defense technology sectors and is expected to generate more than 3,200 new jobs across the region.
The company plans to create 1,500 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of nearly $88,000 — 46% higher than the current average wage in St. Mary Parish. Louisiana Economic Development estimates another 1,770 indirect jobs will be supported by the project, bringing the total potential impact to 3,270 positions. Saronic has already grown its local workforce from 35 to more than 100 employees since acquiring the former Gulf Craft shipyard earlier this year.
Governor Jeff Landry said the company’s decision to expand in Louisiana showcases the state’s growing strength in defense manufacturing.
“Louisiana has long built the ships and technology that keep America strong,” Landry said. “Our people, our ports, and our pro-growth policies are helping secure our state’s role at the forefront of America’s defense economy.”
The expansion will add over 300,000 square feet to the Franklin facility, including three new build slips, a larger warehouse, and a dedicated production line for large-vessel assembly. These improvements will support rising demand for Saronic’s autonomous surface vessels in both defense and commercial markets.
“Saronic’s shipyard expansion in Franklin represents a major step forward for American shipbuilding, and we’re proud to deepen our roots here in Louisiana,” said Saronic Co-Founder and CEO Dino Mavrookas. “Strong support from state and local partners has enabled us to scale quickly as we advance production of our autonomous vessels.”
Since establishing its Louisiana operations, Saronic has accelerated development of its vessel lineup, highlighted by the August 2025 keel-laying of its first 150-foot vessel, the Marauder, at the Franklin yard.
LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said the project reflects the state’s long-standing expertise in maritime manufacturing.
“This expansion builds on Louisiana’s proud legacy by integrating new technology and innovation to keep our state at the forefront of the maritime and defense sectors for decades to come.”
Construction began in November 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with expanded operations set to begin in 2027.
Local leaders praised the investment as a transformative moment for the region.
“This announcement sends a powerful message that St. Mary Parish is a place of thriving opportunity and economic momentum,” said Parish President Sam Jones. “This project marks a new era of economic leadership in South Louisiana.”
To secure the expansion, the state offered Saronic Technologies a competitive incentive package, including LED FastStart workforce support, a $2 million performance-based grant, and $3 million in Economic Development Award Program funding for infrastructure and facility improvements. The company is also expected to participate in Louisiana’s Quality Jobs Program.
St. Mary Parish Economic Development Director Evan Boudreaux said the scale of the investment will have a “generational impact,” creating high-quality jobs and expanding career pathways for local residents. COLAB President and CEO Christy Zeringue added that the project strengthens the region’s standing in both maritime innovation and the U.S. defense supply chain.
Residents can register for job updates and hiring events, and Louisiana businesses can sign up for vendor opportunities through SourceLouisiana.com.
