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S23 Holdings Expands Newport News, Virginia, Repair-Manufacturing Operations

09/25/2026
Maritime industrial services company S23 Holdings plans to expand its operations in Newport News, Virginia. The $180 million project is expected to create 414 jobs.

The investment will transform the company’s River Port facility into an expanded ship repair and maritime manufacturing complex, including the installation of a new shiplift system and approximately 48,000 square feet of additional production space.

“The River Port investment represents a major commitment to the future of S23, East Coast Repair & Fabrication, and its affiliated companies, to our ability to support the U.S. Navy, and to the continued growth of Hampton Road’s maritime, manufacturing, and industrial capabilities,” said S23 Holdings CEO Jorge Rivera. “The addition of the OmniLift shiplift and supporting infrastructure will allow us to take on larger and more complex ship repair projects, while also enabling a significant expansion of our naval ship module fabrication capabilities to support the Navy’s evolving new-construction demands. This investment positions us to contribute in a much greater way to both ship repair and new ship construction, while creating new opportunities for our employees and the broader maritime workforce. We are grateful for the partnership and support of the City of Newport News and the Commonwealth of Virginia as we continue building the capabilities and capacity needed to support the U.S. Navy and our nation’s maritime industrial base.”

To support the project Governor Abigail Spanberger approved a $2 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund. The Governor also approved a performance-based grant of $2 million from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant, an incentive that encourages continued capital investment by existing Virginia companies. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“S23 Holdings' continued expansion in Newport News demonstrates the competitive advantages that make Virginia a leader in maritime manufacturing and defense-related industries,” noted Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “This project combines transformative investment with high-quality job creation, enhancing critical ship repair, fabrication, and production talent. Virginia's skilled workforce, strategic maritime assets, and strong network of economic development partners continue to attract thriving companies like S23 looking to scale and succeed.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the City of Newport News to secure the project.

“S23 Holdings’ decision to expand in Newport News with more than 400 new jobs and $180 million in capital investment reinforces Virginia’s leadership in maritime operations, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace and defense,” added Virginia Economic Development Partnership President and CEO Jason El Koubi. “The Hampton Roads region offers the skilled workforce, strategic location, and industry expertise companies need to succeed and grow. We are proud to support S23’s continued investment in the Commonwealth, which will strengthen a critical industry cluster and create new opportunities for Virginians.”

S23 Holdings and its affiliated companies provide a broad range of maritime industrial services, including ship repair, metal fabrication, welding, coatings, and modular manufacturing for defense and commercial customers.

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