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Muscle Shoals Today
By the People, for the People
Submarine Plant to Bring Up to 1,500 Jobs to Alabama Community
Facility in Muscle Shoals to be dedicated later this month, Senator Tuberville says
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville announced that a new 2.2 million-square-foot submarine parts manufacturing facility in Muscle Shoals, Alabama will bring up to 1,500 jobs to the area. The facility, which was previously a rail freight car manufacturing plant, will be transformed into a state-of-the-art, AI-driven precision manufacturing facility. Tuberville said the project was funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill passed last year and is part of President Trump's effort to move submarine and ship manufacturing back to the United States.
Why it matters
The new submarine plant represents a major economic boost for the Muscle Shoals area, which had previously lost manufacturing jobs when the rail freight car facility closed and moved operations to Mexico. The facility's strategic location along the Tennessee River will also allow for easy transportation of the submarine parts via barge.
The details
The 2.2 million-square-foot facility was previously owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama and had been shuttered for several years before this new project. Tuberville said the facility will be transformed into a state-of-the-art, AI-driven precision manufacturing plant. Austal, which builds ships and submarines in Mobile, Alabama, is involved with the project. The Defense Department was intrigued by the facility's location along the Tennessee River, which will allow for easy barge transportation of the submarine parts.
- The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new facility will be held on March 20, 2026.
- The facility was previously a rail freight car manufacturing plant that closed and moved jobs to Mexico a few years ago.
The players
Tommy Tuberville
U.S. Senator representing Alabama.
Robert Aderholt
U.S. Representative for Alabama's 4th congressional district.
Donald Trump
Former President of the United States.
Pete Hegspeth
Secretary of Defense.
John Phelan
Secretary of the Navy.
What they’re saying
“This 2.2 million square foot facility will now be a symbol of U.S. defense, anchoring shipbuilding and maritime production in Northwest Alabama. This major investment will be truly transformative for the Shoals area.”
— Robert Aderholt, U.S. Representative (Aderholt's website)
“This is President (Donald) Trump's dream of moving submarine and ship manufacturing back to the United States of America. Submarines built in Muscle Shoals, my God how far have we come, right.”
— Tommy Tuberville, U.S. Senator (al.com)
What’s next
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegspeth and Secretary of the Navy John Phelan are expected to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new facility on March 20, 2026. There is also hope that former President Donald Trump will attend the dedication event.
The takeaway
The new submarine manufacturing facility in Muscle Shoals represents a significant economic opportunity for the region, bringing up to 1,500 high-paying jobs back to an area that had previously lost manufacturing work. The strategic location along the Tennessee River also provides logistical advantages for transporting the submarine parts. This project is part of a broader effort by the federal government to boost domestic defense manufacturing.
