On the Line: Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, is world’s top aluminum shipbuilder

By: Joey Blackwell

Austal USA is a ship manufacturer based in Mobile, producing both aluminum and steel ships for the Navy and Coast Guard – the only Navy shipbuilder to do so. The company has a $10 billion production backlog, with 12 new construction programs under contract and nine surface ships in production.

In addition to being the top aluminum shipbuilder in the world, Austal USA is the No. 5 high-tech manufacturer in Alabama, the No. 1 industrial employer in Mobile and the No. 3 overall employer in the south Alabama region.

“Being a part of building ships and submarines here in Alabama is pretty awesome,” said Sherman Bradley, who works as an A-class structural fitter. “I don’t know too many people outside of here that can say that. … I think Austal is a good place to work. You got a good work environment, you’ve got great benefits, you’re at home every night – why would you want to go anywhere else?”

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