BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) – A naval shipbuilder and defense technology solutions company has selected Berkeley County to establish its first South Carolina operation.

HII, which is headquartered in Virginia, said the expansion into the Palmetto State will create more than 250 new jobs to the Goose Creek area.

Click here to explore opportunities at HHI’s careers page.

“HII establishing operations in Berkeley County further solidifies South Carolina’s reputation as the ideal location for advanced manufacturing,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “The more than 250 anticipated new jobs this investment will bring is proof that manufacturing companies of all types recognize the benefits of doing business in our state.”

The move follows HII’s acquisition of W International SC, LLC, and Vivid Empire SC, LLC, a South Carolina-based complex metal fabricator specializing in the manufacture of shipbuilding structures, modules and assemblies, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

The acquired facility is located at 2040 Bushy Park Road in Goose Creek.

“HII is committed to going where the labor is to increase capacity and increase throughput for our national security customers,” HHI President and CEO Chris Kastner said. “This transaction is a win-win with our new partners in South Carolina – we’re excited to bring work and grow jobs. This lets us efficiently add trained talent and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities to the urgent job of building ships, making it a unique opportunity to immediately accelerate throughput at Newport News Shipbuilding in support of the Navy and AUKUS.”

Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III called the announcement “a tremendous victory for the Lowcountry and South Carolina’s world-class workforce.”

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $750,000 Set-Aside grant to Berkeley County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

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