HII Partner Bayou Metals Opens Slidell Line to Accelerate ROMULUS USV Build
HII•HII’s partner Bayou Metals has opened a dedicated manufacturing line in Slidell, Louisiana to precision-fabricate structural components for ROMULUS USVs, feeding assembly units to Breaux Brothers Enterprises for final integration. This capacity boost is designed to reduce production risk, accelerate delivery of four planned ROMULUS 151 vessels and expand Gulf Coast shipbuilding output.
1. Dedicated Manufacturing Line Launch
Bayou Metals Supply & Manufacturing has inaugurated a dedicated production line in Slidell, Louisiana, equipped for precision cutting, bending, welding and assembly of marine-grade aluminum components for HII’s ROMULUS unmanned surface vessels. This line produces complete structural assemblies ready for shipment to Breaux Brothers Enterprises for final vessel integration.
2. Accelerated ROMULUS USV Production
The new capacity supports HII’s shift from prototype to serial production, aiming to construct four ROMULUS 151 platforms plus the currently under-build vessel. By centralizing material supply and advanced fabrication, HII expects to reduce schedule risk, streamline throughput and fast-track autonomous surface capability delivery to the U.S. Navy and allied fleets.
3. Strategic Partnership and Industrial Base Expansion
This effort underscores HII’s collaboration model, leveraging Bayou Metals’ fabrication expertise to enhance production scalability and reliability. The initiative also bolsters Gulf Coast manufacturing capacity and develops a skilled workforce, reinforcing U.S. shipbuilding infrastructure for future defense programs.
