A military drone-boat manufacturer is rapidly scaling production in Valdosta as demand grows for unmanned systems used by defense and national-security agencies. Blue Ops is marking the first anniversary of its South Georgia manufacturing operation this week.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Blue Ops can currently produce about 100 uncrewed surface vessels a year at its 155,000-square-foot factory. Company president Barry Hinckley said production is expected to reach 250 boats next year and could eventually climb to 600 annually.
$30 million investment and more than 200 jobs
Blue Ops announced in April that it would invest $30 million in the Valdosta facility and create more than 200 jobs over several years. The company leased the former Regal Boats facility at 601 Gil Harbin Industrial Boulevard.
The governor’s office said the plant was expected to hire up to 100 people in 2026. The facility builds Blue Ops’ uncrewed surface vessels, or USVs.
A new niche for Georgia manufacturing
The boats are designed for missions including patrol, surveillance and reconnaissance. Blue Ops also markets the technology for Coast Guard, Border Patrol and homeland-security applications.
Hinckley told the AJC that nearby vacant boat-building facilities could support future expansion if demand continues. The company has not announced another Georgia site.
The next numbers to watch are actual hiring at the Valdosta campus and whether the company reaches its stated production targets for 2027.
