- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Muscle Shoals Today
By the People, for the People
Muscle Shoals Poised for New Defense Manufacturing Facility
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt touts 6-year effort to bring major Navy project to Alabama's Shoals region.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:23pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt announced that the U.S. Navy will soon hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new 2.2 million square foot defense industrial facility in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The facility, owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama and operated by Hadrian, will anchor shipbuilding and maritime production in Northwest Alabama, representing a major investment in the region's future and the nation's security.
Why it matters
The Shoals region of Alabama has a long history of supporting American industry and national defense, from supplying nitrates for World War I to powering the rockets that took us to the moon. This new Navy facility continues that legacy, positioning the Shoals as a hub for advanced manufacturing and maritime production that will create thousands of jobs and help restore America's industrial capacity.
The details
The new defense facility is the result of a nearly 6-year effort by Rep. Aderholt to bring new industry to an unused site in the Shoals. The project involved key partnerships with local entities like AE Shoals and the Retirement Systems of Alabama, which owns the facility. The advanced manufacturing work will be carried out by Hadrian, a company that specializes in aerospace and national security projects.
- The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Navy facility will take place in the coming months.
- Rep. Aderholt has worked on this project for nearly 6 years to secure the necessary resources and partnerships.
The players
Rep. Robert Aderholt
A U.S. Congressman representing Alabama's 4th Congressional District and a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee who has championed this project for the Shoals region.
Retirement Systems of Alabama
The owner of the 2.2 million square foot facility that will house the new Navy defense manufacturing operation.
Hadrian
The company that will be carrying out the advanced manufacturing work at the new Navy facility in Muscle Shoals.
AE Shoals
A local entity that has played a key role in fostering the development of this project and advancing the vision for a manufacturing and technology center of excellence in the Shoals region.
What they’re saying
“When America calls, the Shoals area answers.”
— Rep. Robert Aderholt, U.S. Congressman
“This facility will help bring thousands of manufacturing jobs and new opportunities to Northwest Alabama. But just as importantly, it will help restore America's ability to produce the tools necessary to defend freedom and maintain strength at sea.”
— Rep. Robert Aderholt, U.S. Congressman
What’s next
The U.S. Navy will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new defense industrial facility in Muscle Shoals in the coming months.
The takeaway
The Shoals region of Alabama is poised to play a vital role in strengthening America's defense industrial base and maritime power, building on its long history of supporting the nation's security and economic strength. This new Navy facility represents a major investment in the region's future and will create thousands of high-quality manufacturing jobs.
