Keel Holdings, LLC, an advanced manufacturing leader for the U.S. Navy and broader defense applications for naval, land, and space, recently hosted the grand opening of the company’s new Prep & Paint Facility at its Yonges Island, South Carolina, shipyard.
On Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, Keel executives and team members were joined by U.S. military officials, representatives of members of Congress ,and local leaders to celebrate the new facility, including Keel CEO Brian Carter and U.S. Navy Program Manager of the Submarine Industrial Base Program Office Capt. R. Keith Oswald.
“The opening of our state-of-the-art Prep & Paint Facility at Yonges Island marks an important milestone for Keel’s investment in, and commitment to, Charleston County and the broader region,” Carter said. “What we build at Keel contributes to the safety of our country and helps protect the men and women defending this nation. I’m extremely proud of this facility and the impact it will have on fulfilling our mission and prosperity in the region.”
Keel’s Prep & Paint Facility is the result of a $43 million investment in the region, with plans for a total investment of $67 million to support mission-critical defense programs and economic growth. Keel anticipates adding 170 new jobs with this facility.
The Yonges Island Prep & Paint Facility is equipped with the latest blasting and painting technology, provided by BlastOne International, a global supplier to the protective coating and corrosion control industry. The facility also includes a 75’ x 75’ temperature and humidity-controlled booth with a 40’ x 60’ mega door with blasting and painting capability. This is supported by a 75’ x 75’ temperature-controlled paint only booth with a 40’ x 60’ mega door.
With this new capability, Keel is elevating its service portfolio beyond structural steel module fabrication by incorporating the painting of completed structural modules. This advancement allows Keel to include outfitting and represents a substantial milestone toward Keel’s ultimate objective of becoming the first company in the United States to deliver truly outsourced, fully outfitted submarine modules.
To learn more about Keel, visit Keelusa.com,
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