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North Carolina Maritime Manufacturing Initiative Targets $65.8B Navy Supply Chain

North Carolina launches the Maritime Manufacturing Initiative to capture a larger share of the Navy's $65.8 billion shipbuilding supply chain through workforce training and supplier matchmaking.

By Colin Percy · May 27, 2026

North Carolina is aggressively positioning itself to support the Navy’s expanded shipbuilding and submarine requirements as defense spending increases. The North Carolina Maritime Manufacturing Initiative (NCMMI) is leading an effort to integrate the state's industrial base into the naval supply chain, addressing capacity and workforce shortages. The initiative is supported by NC State’s Industry Extension Services and the North Carolina Military Business Center, which has secured nearly $19 billion in military contracts since 2005.

Recent developments include U.S. Forged Rings establishing a plant in Hertford County to supply Newport News Shipbuilding, bolstered by $51 million in state funding for infrastructure. Additionally, a $1 billion rare earth magnet facility is slated for Benson in Johnston County, underscoring the state's capacity to host large-scale military-industrial projects. The state is further organizing through the 'First in Defense' coalition and a new legislative caucus focused on national security technology to streamline manufacturing compliance and contract procurement.

Companies mentioned

other

Brig USA

developer

U.S. Forged Rings

owner

Newport News Shipbuilding

other

Nucor Steel

developer

Vulcan Elements

other

NCMMI

other

North Carolina Military Business Center

other

Carver Machine Works

other

North Carolina Maritime Manufacturing Initiative

other

The Whiskey Project Group USA

other

NC State Industry Extension Services

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