Defense Manufacturing Facility Opens in Cherokee, Boosting Naval Production

Federal and state leaders gathered Friday in Cherokee, Alabama to mark the opening of a new defense manufacturing facility expected to strengthen Northwest Alabama’s role in U.S. naval production.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park on the site of a former railcar manufacturing facility and drew military officials, elected leaders, industry partners, and community members.

The 2.2-million-square-foot facility will support shipbuilding and maritime production for the U.S. Navy.

The facility, operated by Hadrian, will produce precision components for Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines, helping address production delays in the nation’s maritime industrial base.