Davie Defense Inc. will expand its shipbuilding operations in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas, focusing on the construction of Arctic icebreakers. The project is expected to create over 2,400 new jobs and involve more than $730 million in capital investment. The company has been awarded a Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $21,771,000 to support this expansion.
Governor Greg Abbott commented on the announcement: “With the best business climate in the nation, Texas is a magnet for complex, critical manufacturing. This significant capital investment by Davie Defense will expand economic opportunity in Galveston and Port Arthur and create thousands of good-paying jobs and further bolster national defense by expanding capacity for the manufacture of icebreakers and other specialized vessels for the U.S. government and commercial customers. Texas is positioned to be a national hub for critical shipbuilding and, with our strong workforce, we will be for generations to come.”
Davie Defense plans to make its Texas facilities central to efforts aimed at revitalizing American shipbuilding capacity. The company intends to enhance both economic and national security by increasing industrial output for government and commercial clients.
“Davie Defense is proud to deepen our commitment to Texas,” said Davie Defense CEO Kai Skvarla. “Texas has one of the world’s most business-friendly environments and the scale to support complex shipbuilding — a capability we’re bringing back to Texas for the first time in generations. Our investment will serve American industry and the U.S. government for decades to come — starting with Davie’s globally recognized specialty: the polar-capable icebreakers critical to U.S. national security.”
Local leaders also expressed support for the project:
Senator Robert Nichols stated: “Congratulations to the City of Port Arthur and Davie Defense for their investment and award from the Texas Enterprise Fund. Southeast Texas is a growing hub for manufacturing and development. This investment will help further protect our national and economic security and help create more opportunities for Southeast Texas to grow.”
Representative Christian Manuel said: “This is good news for Port Arthur. It brings skilled jobs and new investment to our community. I welcome the opportunity this project creates for local workers. It also reflects the strength of our region’s workforce and industrial base.”
Galveston Mayor Dr. Craig Brown remarked: “Galveston is proud to have been selected by Davie Defense as the location of their shipbuilding facility, and we congratulate them on being the recipient of a Texas Enterprise Fund grant. Their presence is vital to our economic growth and benefits not only Galveston, but the entire nation.”
Port Arthur Mayor Charlotte M. Moses added: “This Texas Enterprise Fund award for Davie Defense, Inc. is great news for Port Arthur and for the people who call this city home… Davie Defense’s expansion means new jobs, new investment, and real opportunity for our residents… We stand ready to work with Davie Defense as this project moves forward…”
Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick noted his excitement about Davie’s decision: “I am extremely excited learn that Davie, a world-renowned shipbuilder, has decided to locate significant operations in Jefferson County… I am also encouraged by Davie’s partnership with Lamar State College…”
Joshua Owens from Galveston Economic Development Partnership highlighted why Galveston was chosen: “Davie Defense chose Galveston because we are a pro-business community with a highly skilled workforce and a deep-water port… The support from the Texas Enterprise Fund was crucial…”
Krystle Villarreal Muller from Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation stated: “On behalf of [our organization], we are honored … This investment is a strong vote of confidence in our community’s workforce…”
The TEF program supports projects where at least one site in Texas competes against out-of-state locations; it aims at creating well-paid jobs while attracting significant capital investments.
The Office of Governor Greg Abbott has played an active role in promoting job growth across Texas, leading initiatives that contributed significantly toward record employment levels statewide since Abbott took office after his election in 2014 (source). The governor’s office focuses on job creation, economic opportunities, education improvement efforts, protection of individual liberties including parental empowerment regarding schooling decisions (source), as well as southern border security measures (source). Under Abbott’s leadership—recognized nationally including among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People—Texas continues its emphasis on strengthening key industries like manufacturing (source).
