Global diversified industrial company Curtiss-Wright Corporation has announced a major US$80 million, multi-year investment to significantly expand its manufacturing operations in Cheswick, Pennsylvania. This strategic capital injection is designed to bolster production capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and solidify the company’s role as a premier supplier to the critical naval defense and commercial nuclear markets.
Building for the Future of Nuclear and Naval Defense
The investment will fund the construction of two brand-new buildings at Curtiss-Wright’s expansive 118-acre Cheswick campus. This physical expansion is directly aimed at increasing manufacturing and rigorous testing capacities, which will ultimately streamline operations and dramatically reduce lead times for mission-critical equipment.
The Cheswick facility is no ordinary manufacturing plant; it is a cornerstone of American industrial history. The site has been a vital partner to the nuclear industry since the construction of the very first US commercial nuclear power plant at Shippingport, Pennsylvania. Furthermore, it has supplied essential equipment to the US Navy dating all the way back to the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine.
Today, the facility continues this legacy of excellence by manufacturing highly specialized, critical-function equipment, including:
- Canned motor pumps
- Advanced motors and generators
- Control rod drive mechanisms
These components are absolutely essential for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of both the commercial nuclear power sector and the US nuclear navy.
Strategic Funding and Collaborative Support
This ambitious expansion is made possible through a powerful combination of funding sources. The US$80 million initiative blends Curtiss-Wright’s internal capital spending with strategic support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Additionally, the project is bolstered by vital maritime industrial base funding provided through the US Department of War budget, highlighting the national strategic importance of this facility.
Leadership Perspective
Lynn Bamford, Chair and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Corporation, emphasized the long-term vision behind this expansion:
“This expansion strengthens our ability to meet growing customer demand in our naval defense and commercial nuclear end markets, and reinforces our commitment to the workforce and the community to ensure that Curtiss-Wright remains a critical supplier to these industries for the next decade and beyond. Additionally, we’re pleased to see the administration’s continued strong funding for naval shipbuilding, including an acceleration in maritime industrial base funding.”
Looking Ahead
As global demand for clean nuclear energy grows and national defense priorities require robust, domestic supply chains, Curtiss-Wright’s Cheswick expansion is perfectly timed. By investing in advanced manufacturing infrastructure and local talent, the company is not only securing its own competitive advantage but also ensuring the resilience and reliability of America’s critical naval and energy infrastructure for decades to come.