Keel to expand Charleston shipyard with $67M investment

A national defense manufacturer is expanding operations in Charleston County.

Keel is investing $67 million and creating 170 new jobs at its Yonges Island shipyard.

Located at 4194 Hwy. 165 in Meggett, Keel’s expansion includes a new state-of-the-art prep and paint facility to support the manufacture of components and modules for submarines and aircraft carriers for the U.S. Navy.

“Keel’s expansion at Yonges Island emphasizes our commitment to supporting the U.S. Navy, our national defense and Charleston County,” Keel CEO Brian Carter said in the release. “The expansion will enable Keel to add much-needed capacity and better help our U.S. Navy meet its stringent shipbuilding requirements. We are proud of the crucial work we do to help build America’s defense and will continue to identify ways we can expand our capabilities to best support our valued warfighters and global security.”

Headquartered in Ladson, Keel is an advanced manufacturer of submarine modules and components, aircraft carrier components, and other complex structures for the U.S. Navy and broader defense industry, according to a news release.

Work has started on the first phase of the project, including the prep and paint facility.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

“Keel’s decision to expand its critical operations, backed by a $67 million investment, is a resounding affirmation of the skilled workforce, strategic assets and supportive business environment we have built in Charleston County,” Charleston County Council Chairman Rev. Dr. Kylon Jerome Middleton said in the release. “The company’s growth signals confidence in our workforce.”