The commonwealth has secured a nearly $100-million investment from Philadelphia-based Rhoads Industries Inc. to grow its manufacturing operations at the city’s historic Navy Yard, Gov. Josh Shapiro said July 3.
“Shipbuilding has always been a key part of Philadelphia’s identity and our economy, and today, I’m proud to announce that Rhoads Industries is investing $100 million and creating over 450 new jobs at the Navy Yard,” said Shapiro.
Rhoads plans to build a new 95,000-square-feet manufacturing facility to increase its production capacity for the U.S Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base, and in addition to the new jobs will retain 541 existing full-time positions.
“With support from the commonwealth — including a new $4-million investment and more than $17 million over the past decade — Rhoads will expand its footprint, double its capacity for the U.S. Navy’s submarine program, and strengthen our national security,” Shapiro said.
Rhoads received a funding proposal from the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) that includes a $4-million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant.
The company, which is located in a Keystone Opportunity Zone that provides significant tax savings, has received more than $17 million in multiple RACP grants from the state throughout the years to support its expansions and facility upgrades.
“Rhoads has called Philadelphia home for nearly 130 years, and the Shapiro administration is glad they’re doubling down and investing yet again in our commonwealth,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “This investment supports our national security and economic security, and strengthens our manufacturing sector in southeastern Pennsylvania, one of the key industries we’re focusing on in the governor’s economic development strategy.”
Founded and family‐owned since 1896, Rhoads provides large-scale industrial fabrication, along with mechanical and maintenance maritime services.
In addition to field service and project skilled labor, the company has expansive shipyard facilities, and more than 300,000 square feet of heavy manufacturing space located in the Navy Yard in Philadelphia.
“This investment by the commonwealth will expedite and accelerate our production output and rapid hiring by at least one year,” said Dan Rhoads, Jr., CEO of Rhodes Industries. “Gov. Shapiro’s commitment to our company is significant and signals the importance of the defense industry’s growth in Pennsylvania.”
Rhoads also offers a paid, three-year, state-accredited apprenticeship program that prepares high school technical education graduates for careers in the submarine industrial base. In partnership with Boilermakers Local 19, the program trains apprentices to meet all military specification requirements by graduation.
The Philadelphia Navy Yard, which is home to more than 150 employers and 15,000 jobs, has emerged as a regional hub for innovation and manufacturing.
“The future of shipbuilding runs through Philadelphia — and just like generations before us, it’s Pennsylvania workers who will build what keeps our nation safe,” Shapiro said. “We’re investing in that future because it’s good for our economy, our communities, and for the people of Pennsylvania.”