Saronic expects to create 1,500 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of 87,936 dollars, which is 46 per cent above the St Mary Parish average wage. The company retained 35 workers when it acquired the shipyard in April and has since grown to more than 100 employees, with Louisiana Economic Development estimating 1,770 additional indirect jobs.
“Saronic Technologies’ decision to invest in Louisiana speaks to the strength of our workforce and the state’s leadership in defense manufacturing,” Governor Jeff 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 creating jobs and securing our state’s place at the forefront of America’s defense economy.”
The expansion will add more than 300,000 square feet to the Franklin site, including three new slips, a larger warehouse and a new production line for large vessel assembly. Saronic says these upgrades will expand shipbuilding capacity and support rising demand for autonomous vessels in defence 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,” Co-Founder and CEO of Saronic Dino Mavrookas said. “The strong support we have received from our state and local partners has enabled us to move quickly and confidently 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.”
Saronic established its Louisiana operations with the acquisition of the former Gulf Craft shipyard and advanced production of autonomous vessels at the site. A major milestone came in August 2025 with the keel laying of the first 150 foot Marauder vessel, marking continued growth in the state.
“Saronic’s expansion draws on Louisiana’s historic strengths — a world-class maritime workforce, generations of shipbuilders and unmatched technical expertise,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “This project builds on that proud legacy by integrating new technology and innovation to ensure our state continues leading in the maritime and defense sectors for decades to come.”
The company broke ground on the expansion in November 2025 and expects construction to finish by the end of 2026, with operations expanding in 2027. Local leaders say the project will strengthen long term economic momentum in the Bayou Region.
“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 and economic momentum,” St. Mary Parish President Sam Jones said. “St. Mary Parish’s best days are ahead of her, and this project is the beginning of a new era of economic leadership in South Louisiana. I am proud to welcome Saronic to St. Mary Parish, and I look forward to working with our state and regional partners in supporting this project as it becomes a cornerstone of our parish’s economic future.”
To secure the project, the state offered Saronic a competitive incentives package including LED FastStart workforce support. The package also includes a 2 million dollar performance based grant and 3 million dollars from the Economic Development Award Program, with the company expected to join the Quality Jobs Program.
“This project marks a significant step forward for St. Mary Parish and positions our community at the center of the Gulf Coast’s advanced manufacturing economy,” St. Mary Economic Development Director Evan Boudreaux said. “The scale of investment and the quality of jobs Saronic will create will have a generational impact: supporting our families, expanding career pathways for our residents, and reinforcing St. Mary’s position as a competitive destination for advanced industry. This opportunity is proof of Louisiana’s economic development comeback story, and I look forward to what’s next.”
“Saronic’s investment builds on the momentum we are seeing across St. Mary Parish and the wider Bayou Region,” COLAB President and CEO Christy Zeringue said. “This 300 million dollar project brings together a skilled workforce and next-generation technology to support U.S. defense and drive meaningful economic growth. With 1,500 new jobs and hundreds more supported across the region, it reinforces our position as a place where innovative companies can succeed. We are proud to see continued growth that strengthens both our local economy and Louisiana’s role in the maritime and energy landscape.”
Source: Louisiana Economic Development.
