Fairbanks Morse Defense broke ground Oct. 20, 2026, on a $60 million expansion of its Bird-Johnson propeller foundry in Pascagoula that will add 38,000 square feet, double manufacturing capacity for large naval propellers and grow the workforce by 25%, Magnolia Tribune reported.
Magnolia Tribune said the project includes a $27 million U.S. Navy investment and $22 million sourced from Australia’s initial contribution to the U.S. Submarine Industrial Base under the AUKUS Pillar I effort.
The expansion, described by the outlet as a third Center of Excellence (CoE3) at the Bird-Johnson facility, will add two five-axis computer numerical control machines capable of handling parts weighing up to 100 metric tons (about 220,000 pounds) and a machine-ready expansion slot for further growth, Magnolia Tribune reported.
Fairbanks Morse Defense acquired Bird-Johnson in July 2025 and restored the Bird-Johnson name to the foundry, which the outlet said is designated a U.S. National Asset. The company plans to operate the new center under the Bird-Johnson Propeller Company name with executive leadership from Fairbanks Morse Defense.
According to Magnolia Tribune, the investment is intended to address maritime industry capacity constraints, support submarine production and fleet readiness, and expand training and apprenticeship programs. The expansion is expected to increase the foundry’s workforce to about 100 craftspeople and come online in the first quarter of 2028.
Magnolia Tribune reported that Fairbanks Morse Defense leadership praised local, state and federal partners involved in the project, including the Jackson County Board of Supervisors, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Port of Pascagoula, City of Pascagoula and Mississippi’s federal delegation.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
