GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCIV) — A global defense provider and naval manufacturing is preparing to establish an operation in Berkeley County, with company officials estimating a creation of over 250 new jobs.

HII, headquartered in Virginia, said they will achieve this through the acquisition of substantially all assets of W International SC, LLC and Vivid Empire SC, LLC, collectively known as W International, a South Carolina-based complex metal fabricator.

HII specializes in manufacturing naval ships and defense technology solutions for clients including the U.S. Navy. The company said they have over 135 years of experience and 44,000 employees nationwide.

Governor Henry McMaster stated, “HII establishing operations in Berkeley County further solidifies South Carolina’s reputation as the ideal location for advanced manufacturing. 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.”

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The transaction, completed on Jan. 22, 2025, involves HII investing in new equipment and retrofitting the acquired facility at 2040 Bushy Park Rd. in Goose Creek to meet its manufacturing requirements. The renovated facility will operate within HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, supporting Virginia-class, Columbia-class, and aircraft carrier programs, according to the SC Department of Commerce.

HII President and CEO Chris Kastner stated, “HII is committed to going where the labor is to increase capacity and increase throughput for our national security customers. 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.”

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to the project and awarded a $750,000 Set-Aside grant to Berkeley County to assist with building improvements, according to a release. Operations will remain ongoing, and individuals interested in joining the HII team are encouraged to visit the company’s careers page.