Austal continues to grow

MOBILE, Ala. – Austal USA is building some of the most cutting-edge ships in the Navy inventory, and it's become the largest private sector employer in Mobile County. The company, owned by Australia's Austal, has invested $300 million here since it first bought 10 acres on the Mobile waterfront in 1999. Employment is expected to reach 4,000 by year's end. The company is building two types of aluminum vessels for the Navy, the Littoral Combat Ship and the Joint High-Speed Vessel, and it has a backlog that bodes well for the future. A feature story. (Source: al.com, 11/09/13)