Skip to main content

HII Expands Welding Automation at Ingalls Shipbuilding Through Partnership with HD HHI

Written by Customer Service on . Posted in Public Companies.

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Aug. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) are advancing their strategic partnership with a pilot program to implement additional intelligent mechanized welding equipment at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, expanding Ingalls’ robust existing automation and technology strategy. The pilot is a meaningful step in advancing U.S.-Korea shipbuilding cooperation, as outlined in a 2025 memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two companies, and underscores HII’s commitment to innovate operations as it delivers ships to the U.S. Navy.

“Ingalls operates one of the most advanced automated production lines in the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette said. “Investments in technology and automation range from large-scale automated panel lines and material handling, to robotic bulkhead fabrication, to numerous other digital and advanced manufacturing tools. This pilot extends that automation footprint further into the production process, and to a greater share of the workforce. Working with HHI allows us to expand targeted automation functions, and integrate shared best practices as we continue delivering the most capable ships to the U.S. Navy.”

HHI Welding Machine_Luis Solis_July 31, 2026-3

Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-expands-welding-automation-at-ingalls-shipbuilding-through-partnership-with-hd-hhi/.

The pilot deploys intelligent mechanized welding systems in unit-fabrication areas that currently rely predominantly on manual welding. These systems are designed to make welding, one of the most demanding processes in shipbuilding, safer and more efficient. The system automatically recognizes workpieces and welding conditions, corrects welding positions in real time and captures process data that can support quality control, process improvement and traceability. Ingalls has ensured the machines comply with existing U.S. Navy fabrication standards and will use the pilot to identify opportunities for improved efficiency.

“This pilot program reflects the strengthening of our partnership and the advantages of open technical collaboration,” said Dr. Won-ho Joo, chief executive of the Naval & Special Ship Business Unit at HHI. “We look forward to working with HII to enhance shipbuilding efficiency and deliver greater value to our customers.”

The intelligent mechanized welding pilot grew out of a three-day technical exchange at Ingalls where the companies evaluated shipbuilding technologies and automation opportunities across their respective shipyards. During the visit, Ingalls showcased its hybrid laser welding process, robotics integration, and facility layout designed to support streamlined construction.

Additional automation and technology initiatives under evaluation or in implementation at HII’s shipyards, Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi and Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, include new robotic and cobot applications including fabrication cells, additive manufacturing, automated steel processing systems, integrated production control software that supports precise construction and real-time production insights, and continuous upgrades to automated panel and bulkhead lines. Additionally, HII’s recently announced High-Yield Production Robotics (HYPR) initiative teams the company with emerging physical AI technology companies to implement AI-enabled tools aimed at augmenting the capabilities of the existing shipbuilding workforce.

About HII

HII is America’s largest shipbuilder, delivering the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain mission technologies, including unmanned systems, to U.S. and allied defense customers. HII is the largest producer of unmanned underwater vehicles for the U.S. Navy and the world.

With a more than 140-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII builds and integrates defense capabilities extending from the core fleet to C6ISR, AI/ML, EW and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 45,000 strong. For more information, visit:

Contact:

Kimberly K. Aguillard
Kimberly.K.Aguillard@hii-co.com
228-355-5663

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2c51fda4-a8a3-4bb7-a6de-cb116d4912e6

Disclaimer & Cookie Notice

Welcome to GOLDEA services for Professionals

Before you continue, please confirm the following:

Professional advisers only

I am a professional adviser and would like to visit the GOLDEA CAPITAL for Professionals website.

Important Notice for Investors:

The services and products offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. are intended exclusively for professional market participants as defined by applicable laws and regulations. This typically includes institutional investors, qualified investors, and high-net-worth individuals who have sufficient knowledge, experience, resources, and independence to assess the risks of trading on their own.

No Investment Advice:

The information, analyses, and market data provided are for general information purposes only and do not constitute individual investment advice. They should not be construed as a basis for investment decisions and do not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs of any recipient.

High Risks:

Trading in financial instruments is associated with significant risks and may result in the complete loss of the invested capital. Goldalea Capital Ltd. accepts no liability for losses incurred as a result of the use of the information provided or the execution of transactions.

Sole Responsibility:

The decision to invest or not to invest is solely the responsibility of the investor. Investors should obtain comprehensive information about the risks involved before making any investment decision and, if necessary, seek independent advice.

No Guarantees:

Goldalea Capital Ltd. makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Markets are subject to constant change, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Regional Restrictions:

The services offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. may not be available to all persons or in all countries. It is the responsibility of the investor to ensure that they are authorized to use the services offered.

Please note: This disclaimer is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual legal or tax advice.