Distributed between shipbuilding facilities in Port Arthur, Galveston
Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corp. announced it’s expanded agreement with HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division to support the construction of select outfitted structural units for the U.S. Navy’s Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, according to a company press release Oct. 28.
Following the completion of a year-long pilot program, Gulf Copper has been awarded production of several additional Flight III destroyer units, with work being distributed between its Texas shipbuilding facilities in Port Arthur and Galveston.
The contract award builds on the recent execution of Gulf Copper’s five-year Strategic Sourcing Agreement with HII, strengthening the company’s role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s fleet and expanding Gulf Copper’s ability to execute complex, technical work across multiple shipyard locations.
It also reinforces the company’s stated commitment to excellence, reliability and innovation in serving national defense programs.
“As a retired Navy sailor who has worked and sailed aboard the very type of vessel we are fabricating, this project is close to home,” said George R. Harris, program manager at Gulf Copper. “To be entrusted by HII with an expanded role on a project of this magnitude is both an honor and a responsibility we take very seriously. It is truly inspiring to support the greatest military in the world and this effort represents the skill, dedication and pride of our workforce in helping to keep our service members safe.”
Gulf Copper officials noted they continues to invest in workforce development and infrastructure across its Gulf Coast facilities to meet the evolving needs of commercial and government clients.
“The partnership with HII serves as a testament to the company’s expertise in executing complex, high-stakes projects and will help advance the future of U.S. maritime defense,” the company stated.
Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce CEO Joe Tant said the Chamber applauds Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corp. on this significant expansion of its partnership with HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding.
“This announcement underscores the strength of our region’s industrial capabilities and the exceptional workforce that drives Southeast Texas forward,” said Tant. “Gulf Copper’s continued role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer program brings meaningful investment, high-skill job growth, and long-term stability to our local economy.
“The successful completion of the year-long pilot program, followed by the award of additional structural units, highlights the company’s proven reliability and technical excellence.”
Tant noted the expanded agreement reinforces the importance of Port Arthur’s shipbuilding sector in supporting national defense initiatives and further demonstrates why our region remains a critical hub for advanced manufacturing.
“The Chamber is proud to support Gulf Copper as they continue to innovate, grow, and elevate Port Arthur’s position on the national stage,” he added.
Founded in 1948, reportedly Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corp., an employee-owned company, repairs and refurbishes marine vessels and offshore rigs and fabricates ancillary components.
The company operates strategically located shipyards, drydocks and fabrication facilities along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Gulf Copper serves the oil and gas, marine transportation, refining, petrochemical markets in addition to the United States government.
HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. According to the company website, its mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.
They are the nation’s largest military shipbuilder with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong.
— Dannie Oliveaux | DannieOliveaux@TheExaminer.com
