➤ Key Highlights
Alberici and JE Dunn were tapped for a $300 million expansion of Saronic Technologies’ Franklin, Louisiana, shipyard.
The construction project broke ground in November.
The expansion will add more than 300,000 square feet of new production capacity at the facility.
The expansion’s scope includes the construction of three new slips, expansion of Saronic’s warehouse, and development of a dedicated production line for large-vessel assembly.
The new production line will focus on “Marauder,” Saronic’s 180-foot autonomous ship.
Saronic is expected to create 1,500 direct new jobs at full employment.
The company expects construction to be completed by the end of 2026, with expanded operations set to begin in 2027.
Alberici and JE Dunn have been selected to lead a $300 million expansion of Saronic Technologies’ shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana. The project broke ground in November and is expected to add significant new production capacity, with completion anticipated by the end of 2026. Expanded operations are scheduled to start in 2027.
The event underscores the evolving landscape of large-scale construction activity shaping future industrial capacity. As projects of this scale move forward, they illustrate how modern industrial development is influenced by new technologies, changing production needs, and shifts in capital allocation. Large capital investments in infrastructure expansion drive the ability to meet emerging market demands and foster workforce growth. The construction pipeline’s transformation is a signal of broader changes in how industrial assets are planned and delivered.
⚠️ Why it matters now
For CRE professionals, this expansion highlights the critical role of construction pipeline activity in redefining industrial capacity and meeting future operational requirements. The lens of industrial construction evolution reveals important considerations for how developers, capital providers, and operators approach large-scale projects. Understanding these shifts is essential for navigating the complexities of modern development, capital planning, and resource deployment in the industrial sector.
Stop Reading Headlines
Start Understanding the Market
➤ TAKEAWAY
As the project progresses toward its scheduled completion, stakeholders may observe further changes in construction approaches and supply chain demands. The evolution of the construction pipeline could prompt new strategies for planning and executing similar large-scale industrial projects. Continued monitoring will be necessary to understand how such developments shape workforce needs and production capabilities in the years ahead.
