Hadrian Opens $2.4B Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Alabama

New facility to support Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine production for U.S. Navy

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hadrian, an advanced manufacturing company, has opened a new $2.4 billion facility in Cherokee, Alabama dedicated to producing components for the U.S. Navy's Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines. The facility, known as Factory 4, is a highly automated plant that will mass-produce parts, assemblies, and finished products needed for submarine construction. The project is a public-private partnership combining over $1.5 billion in private capital with $900 million in government funding.

Why it matters

The new facility is part of the Navy's efforts to address longstanding capacity shortfalls in the submarine industrial base. It aligns with the administration's 'Golden Fleet' initiative, which includes $59 billion in cumulative shipbuilding investment. The partnership between the government and private sector is seen as crucial to meeting the Navy's production needs and strengthening national security.

The details

The 2.2 million-square-foot Cherokee facility transforms a former railcar manufacturing site into an advanced production hub. It is expected to reach full-rate production capacity within 24 months and create up to 1,000 high-quality jobs when fully operational. Hadrian's manufacturing platform is designed to quickly train workers with limited prior experience to reach full productivity within 30 days.

  • The facility opened on March 20, 2026.
  • It is expected to reach full-rate production capacity within 24 months of contract award.

The players

Hadrian

An advanced manufacturing company transforming the U.S. industrial base by rapidly adding domestic manufacturing capacity through highly automated factories.

John C. Phelan

Secretary of the Navy, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships to strengthen the maritime industrial base.

Robert Aderholt

U.S. Representative for Alabama's 4th congressional district, who praised the investment and its impact on the local economy.

Roger Wicker

U.S. Senator from Mississippi and Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who highlighted the collaboration across government and the private sector to revitalize American manufacturing.

Katie Britt

U.S. Senator from Alabama, who celebrated the transformational impact of the public-private partnership on the Shoals region.

Tommy Tuberville

U.S. Senator from Alabama, who emphasized the facility's importance in supporting the Navy's mission and restoring American manufacturing dominance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The government cannot deliver the Golden Fleet alone—fast enough or at scale. Private-sector partnership is not optional. It is foundational.”

— John C. Phelan, Secretary of the Navy

“This is a novel transaction with Hadrian— providing the Department of the Navy downside protection and upside participation. Risk is shared. Performance is required. The Department of the Navy has a stake in the outcome. And American taxpayers will benefit from our success. That alignment matters. Because we are done with a system that rewards process over delivery. We are done with free money from the Department of the Navy.”

— John C. Phelan, Secretary of the Navy

“This investment marks a major step forward in strengthening our nation's defense industrial base while bringing high-quality jobs and economic growth to Northwest Alabama.”

— Robert Aderholt, U.S. Representative

“As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I've sought to rebuild the American Arsenal by investing in the very communities that built this country. Hadrian's factory opening today in Cherokee, Alabama, is a testament to the successful collaboration across our government and the private sector.”

— Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator

“This is truly a transformational moment for the Shoals region as we celebrate this Factory of the Future. As a result of this public-private partnership, over 1,000 jobs will be created, boosting the local economy, all while Alabama helps revitalize America's maritime industrial base.”

— Katie Britt, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.