Fairbanks Morse Defense has completed its acquisition of Rolls-Royce’s naval propulsors business as part of a push to expand its capabilities to support the U.S. marine defense industrial base, strengthen national security and advance regional economic growth.
“This acquisition represents a strategic investment in sustaining the United States’ defense manufacturing capabilities and ensuring we remain prepared to meet mission-critical demands,” FMD CEO Steve Pykett said in a statement published Wednesday.
The transaction was first announced in September 2024.
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Supporting Maritime Defense Supply Chain Through Pascagoula Foundry
FMD, an Arcline Investment Management portfolio company, said the transaction includes the acquisition of Rolls-Royce’s Pascagoula foundry in Mississippi, which produces large propulsor systems for the U.S. Navy.
“The Pascagoula foundry, in particular, plays a vital role in supporting the Navy’s maritime dominance, and its continued operation expands our capacity to serve as a trusted partner to the U.S. military. Integrating these highly skilled workforces into Fairbanks Morse Defense strengthens our ability to deliver on our mission of supporting warfighter readiness at home and abroad,” Pykett stated.
With the deal’s completion, FMD is now integrating the Pascagoula facility into its portfolio of naval technologies.
Other Key Assets Included in Rolls-Royce Naval Propulsors Acquisition
In addition to the Pascagoula site, FMD will also gain access to Rolls-Royce’s manufacturing campus in Walpole, Massachusetts, and its facility in Ontario, Canada.
The Walpole facility builds critical propulsor systems for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and allied naval fleets. The Peterborough, Ontario site supports handling systems and undersea technology, including the Mission Bay Handling System used in the Global Combat Ship programs of Canada, Australia and the U.K.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and Mary Martha Henson, deputy director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, joined other community and industry leaders during an event at Pascagoula foundry to mark the transaction’s completion.
