Protect Your Property with Chimney Cap Installation
Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service offers service repairs and installations in Goose Creek and surrounding cities. Call us today for a quote!
843-990-2733- Gas Fireplace Maintenance
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Chimney Sweep in Goose Creek, SC
There's something alluring about chimneys - whether they're old or new, they have an inherent charm that adds architectural flair to your home. Perhaps more importantly, fireplaces keep you and your family warm and cozy during cold South Carolina winters. Who doesn't love gathering in front of the fire with friends to enjoy a fun board game or a few rounds of drinks?
Anyone who owns a chimney should most certainly enjoy it. But you should know that your chimney isn't there to simply make your house look special - its primary role is to keep you and your family safe. In fact, when you're relaxing in front of a cozy fire with your favorite book, your chimney is hard at work making sure the fire's harmful fumes are directed up and away from you and your home.
Unfortunately, when you fail to clean your fireplace and the flue lining it, things can heat up in a matter of moments - and not in a good way. The truth is that unclean fireplaces can lead to chimney fires, which are known for causing horrible property damage and even harm to people. Chimney fires can be explosive, with flames shooting from the top of your chimney and dense smoke billowing out into the street. It's a horrible situation to endure. Fortunately, homeowners in South Carolina can rely on a chimney sweep in Goose Creek, SC, to keep their chimneys clean and in great working condition. That's where Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service comes into play - to help you enjoy your home's fireplace without worrying about worst-case scenarios.
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Stay Safe, Warm, and Cozy withFlowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service
As a local, family-owned chimney sweep company in South Carolina, our team is dedicated to keeping gas fireplaces, wood burning fireplaces, and dryer vents clean and in great working condition for homeowners. By letting our family serve your family, you can rest easy knowing your fireplace and chimney are ready and waiting for you to enjoy this winter, whether you have a gas fireplace with logs or a more traditional wood burning alternative.
Our mission is to serve our customers with superior chimney and gas fireplace service by providing years of knowledge, time-tested solutions, and customer education to build trust and customer loyalty. We offer a range of chimney sweep services in Goose Creek, SC, including the following:
- Gas Fireplace Service, Repairs, & Installation
- Gas Log Service, Repair, & Installation
- Chimney Sweep Service & Cleaning
- Wood Fireplace Service & Repairs
- Exterior Chimney Cap Sales & Installation
- Chimney Inspections
Unlike some chimney sweep companies in South Carolina, our team has been certified to ensure we know how to install, maintain, and repair all types of fireplace appliances. In fact, over our more than 12 years of experience in the fireplace and hearth industry, we've obtained a few credentials along the way, including:
CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep
Homeowners looking for reliable and knowledgeable chimney and venting professionals have trusted the Chimney Safety Institute of America's (CSIA) endorsements for over three decades. By selecting a technician who is certified by CSIA, you can rest assured that they possess the necessary expertise, qualifications, and experience to provide you with top-notch chimney sweep service in South Carolina.
NFI Certified Gas Hearth and Wood Burning Hearth Professional
When it comes to planning and installing fireplaces, stoves, and venting systems, skill and technical knowledge are absolutely crucial. There are countless decisions that must be made, including determining the appropriate floor protection, appliance sizing and placement, and venting system compatibility and height.
For the most reliable and proper installation, it's highly recommended that you seek the guidance of a specialist. The National Fireplace Institute is a trusted, independent, non-profit certification agency that has established the highest standards for certification in the hearth industry. Those who pass the rigorous examination covering the fundamentals of proper installation are awarded NFI Specialist Certification, ensuring you can trust their expertise.
Now that you know a little bit about our company and our mission, it's time to learn more about the fireplace and hearth services we offer to homeowners in South Carolina.
Keeping Your Home Safe with Gas Fireplace Maintenance in Goose Creek, SC
Gas fireplaces are one of the most common features of homes in South Carolina and bring a special ambiance to any room. As with any appliance in your home, however, it's important to keep your gas fireplace maintained throughout the year.
It is crucial to have your gas hearth appliances serviced annually. At Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service, our team of experts will thoroughly clean, service, and inspect your gas hearth appliance, as well as perform any necessary repairs. If you notice black soot on your logs or they are not burning cleanly, it is imperative to shut down the appliance to schedule gas fireplace maintenance or repair ASAP.
It's important to note that your gas logs should only be serviced and repaired by a certified gas specialist from the NFI or National Fireplace Institute. There's nothing wrong with hiring a friend, but if they don't know what they're doing, your safety may be at risk.
Why Should You Have Your Gas Fireplace Serviced
At Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service, one of the most common questions we get is whether or not a customer really needs to have their fireplace serviced. The two biggest reasons for doing so are appliance reliability and safety. The truth is it's very important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have the system inspected and serviced annually by a certified gas specialist.
Failure to do so could result in the production of lethal carbon monoxide gas, which is odorless and requires special equipment to detect. Additionally, gas leaks and improper venting can pose serious hazards, which is why inspection of the venting system, chimney, and fireplace is imperative. With proper maintenance and regular checks, you can enjoy the warmth of your gas hearth system with confidence and peace of mind.
If you haven't kept up with gas fireplace maintenance and believe something is wrong with your hearth or chimney, consider gas fireplace repair in Goose Creek, SC.
What About Un-Vented Gas Fireplaces?
Heating systems that don't require vents are like regular home heating systems. But they need to be working properly and checked often. It's a good idea to open a window if you're using a vent-free heater. There are rules about when you can use them. It's a good idea to have an expert check your heater's location. Sometimes, people don't know how to use their fireplace or heater correctly - and that's OK. At Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney, we're happy to answer questions and give you tips so you can safely enjoy your gas fireplace.
Common Signs You Need Gas Fireplace Repair
Whether you have a vented or un-vented gas fireplace, it's important to know when you need maintenance or repairs. Keep these signs in mind, especially as you approach fireplace season.
Burning Smells
If you detect any unusual odors emanating from your gas fireplace, it is important to take action. While some odors may not be a cause for concern, the smell of gas or burning wires should be taken seriously. To ensure your safety, turn off the fireplace and immediately open windows to let in fresh air. Be sure to also call a certified chimney sweeping company like Flowertown to repair and resolve any further issues. In the event of a suspected gas leak, evacuate your home immediately and dial 911 for assistance.
Your Gas Fireplace Turns On and Off
If your custom gas fireplace is turning on and then quickly turning off, this is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. There can be multiple reasons for this malfunction, so it's best to contact a trustworthy chimney sweep in South Carolina who specializes in gas fireplaces. Turn off the unit and wait for the technician to arrive to prevent any further damage.
Buildup of Soot
It's normal to wipe off soot from various areas of your fireplace while you're cleaning. However, if you notice excessive amounts of soot, you're dealing with an underlying problem that needs professional attention.
Pilot Light Malfunctions
If your gas fireplace's pilot light is not working properly, it could indicate a potential issue with the wiring, gas valves, or thermostat. Keep an eye out for any inconsistencies in its performance.
Reliable Wood Fireplace Maintenance in Goose Creek, SC
While gas fireplaces are more common and often easier to operate, wood fireplaces have their own unique ambiance and allure. If you're like us, nothing sounds better than curling up in front of a crackling fire on a cold winter's night with some hot cocoa and a good book. Unfortunately, when you fail to maintain your wood fireplace and are reluctant to have it repaired, you're putting your safety on the line.
That's why we offer top-notch chimney cleaning services at Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service. Our certified hearth professionals will thoroughly clean your chimney, removing any creosote buildup and inspecting all vital components to ensure everything is in proper working order. Don't take any chances when it comes to the safety of your home - trust us to keep your chimney in tip-top shape.
Why Should You Have Your Wood Fireplace Inspected by a Chimney Sweep?
There are several compelling reasons why you should have your system inspected by our team. As we mentioned earlier, your chimney is likely to accumulate creosote deposits, which can pose a serious fire hazard. However, with our chimney and fireplace sweeping services, you can significantly reduce this risk. Plus, there may be hidden defects in your system, such as within the flue or smoke chamber, which are difficult to detect without professional inspection.
Suppose you are a new homeowner or have never had your system inspected by a certified chimney sweeper in South Carolina. In that case, it's time to call Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service. Our experts can provide the necessary maintenance and recommendations to ensure your system is safe and functional. Whether you need an inspection, maintenance, or wood fireplace repair, our team is ready and waiting to help.
Why Should You Have Your Wood Fireplace Inspected by a Chimney Sweep?
There are several compelling reasons why you should have your system inspected by our team. As we mentioned earlier, your chimney is likely to accumulate creosote deposits, which can pose a serious fire hazard. However, with our chimney and fireplace sweeping services, you can significantly reduce this risk. Plus, there may be hidden defects in your system, such as within the flue or smoke chamber, which are difficult to detect without professional inspection.
Suppose you are a new homeowner or have never had your system inspected by a certified chimney sweeper in South Carolina. In that case, it's time to call Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service. Our experts can provide the necessary maintenance and recommendations to ensure your system is safe and functional. Whether you need an inspection, maintenance, or wood fireplace repair, our team is ready and waiting to help.
Essential Wood Burning Fireplace Safety Tips
Having a wood fireplace is a wonderful addition to any home, but it needs to be maintained and repaired, or else it can be very hazardous to your family. Try following these safety tips when enjoying your wood stove or fireplace.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
To increase the likelihood of effectively controlling a fire and preventing it from spreading, it is important to have a fire extinguisher nearby. This can significantly reduce the response time in the event of a fire, as every second counts.
Look for Chimney Cracks
Try to regularly inspect your chimney for any cracks, obstructions, or signs of damage. Cracks can be particularly dangerous, as they can allow heat, smoke, and harmful gases to escape into your home. Cracks can also serve as an entry point for water, which can be particularly harmful.
Talk to Your Family
To ensure safety around your wood burning fireplace, it's essential to educate your family, especially kids, about the potential hazards of fire and the importance of responsible behavior. By teaching them wood fireplace safety measures, you'll create a secure environment for everyone in your house.
Have Your Chimney Inspected by a Seasoned Chimney Sweep in South Carolina
Regular chimney inspections and cleanings prioritize safety and maintenance while providing peace of mind and reducing the risk of chimney fires. Plus, by having your wood fireplace inspected, you'll have peace of mind knowing it works when weather starts to freeze.
Protect Your Property with Chimney Cap Installation in Goose Creek, SC
If you've ever looked at a house and noted how great the top of their chimney looked, it's probably because they had an attractive chimney cap. Chimney caps and chase pans play a crucial role in both the functionality of a chimney system and the aesthetic appeal of a home's exterior. A well-designed chimney cap safeguards the chimney from animal intrusion, minimizes wind-induced downdraft, and is an essential component in preventing water entry, which can cause significant damage to chimneys.
If you're looking to add or replace your current chimney cap, you're in the right place. Our collection of custom chimney caps comes in a variety of styles and colors to match or supplement your home's beauty. Of course, as professional chimney sweepers in South Carolina, we also offer chimney cap repair and water prevention options where necessary.
How Do You Know When a Chimney Cap Needs Maintenance?
Your home's chimney cap is likely the highest point of your home, making it an easy feature to forget about when it comes to yearly maintenance or repair. That's unfortunate, because even small damage to your chimney and its cap can allow debris and water to enter. Do yourself a favor and examine your chimney cap regularly for the following red flags:
- Visible Cracks
- Loose Bricks
- Tiles Falling from Chimney
- Cracked Mortar Joints
- Rust in Fireplace
- More
If you notice any of the following signs, you should call Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service for expert chimney cap repair.
Avoid Hidden Fire Hazards with Dryer Vent Cleaning in Goose Creek, SC
Have you noticed that it's been taking longer to dry your clothes after washing them? If so, your dryer vent might need to be cleaned - and we're not just talking about the screen you pull out to remove lint. But why?
Regular cleaning of your dryer vents is a must for many reasons, but primarily to prevent lint buildup that can lead to house fires and extend your appliance's lifespan. Dryer vent cleaning is especially important if you tend to leave home while your dryer is in use, as a fire could ignite in your absence. Neglecting proper dryer vent cleaning not only wastes energy but also causes longer drying times and increases the likelihood of machine malfunctions.
Unsure whether you need dryer vent cleaning from Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service? Call our office today for an inspection - it's always better to be safe than sorry. You can also keep an eye out for signs like:
- Burning Smells
- Extra-Long Dry Times
- Your Clothes are Unusually Hot
- Your Lint Flap Won't Open
- Your Laundry Room is Hotter Than Usual
If you notice one or more of the red flags above, you should act fast. Flowertown chimney sweeps are fully equipped to provide a comprehensive dryer vent cleaning service for all brands of dryers, including gas, electric, and high-efficiency machines.
The Premier Choice for DRX9000 Therapy in New Jersey
At Orlando Physical Therapy, we offer a comprehensive approach that combines Physical Therapy, Massage, and Acupuncture to promote overall wellness of mind and body. To help provide relief for patients with serious back problems, we now offer spinal decompression using the state-of-the-art DRX 9000. With the help of our licensed therapists, our goal is to guide you toward optimal physical function rather than simply alleviating your pain.
With our proven track record of success, we have helped many patients enhance their quality of life, and we look forward to doing the same for you. If you're in need of sciatica treatment in Charleston, SC, herniated disc therapy, or a non-surgical solution for a different back issue, know that relief is in sight. Contact our office today and take the first step back to living a normal life.
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Latest News in Goose Creek, SC
New restaurant opens at Charleston-area public golf course. Expect more than typical clubhouse fare.
Parker Milner pmilner@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/food/now_open/momo-crowfield-goose-creek-new-restaurant-charleston/article_d89b6f62-f2e9-11ef-bbb0-a325a2b9c313.html
GOOSE CREEK — Goose Creek's vibrant food scene includes Brazilian bakeries, Filipino eateries and longstanding local pubs. B...
GOOSE CREEK — Goose Creek's vibrant food scene includes Brazilian bakeries, Filipino eateries and longstanding local pubs. But the city of about 50,000 residents has largely lacked a special occasion destination like the one Justin Moore is trying to create.
The chef's new venture just happens to be located on a golf course.
MOMO Crowfield is now open, serving a wide-ranging menu of chophouse classics and refined Southern fare. The nearly 500-seat restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining areas looks out over the Crowfield Golf Club, a public course owned by the city of Goose Creek. The culinary offering and ambiance, though, goes beyond typical clubhouse fare, Moore said.
Moore isn't the first Charleston-area chef to take over the kitchen of a golf course restaurant. In October, Michael Toscano of Le Farfalle announced plans to lead the culinary programming at 3’s Golf and Grill in Greenville.
"You don’t have to be a golfer to come eat," Toscano told The Post and Courier at the time. "Come enjoy the terrain, come enjoy the dining room overlooking the greenery; anybody can come out."
That's the message Moore is trying to broadcast with MOMO Crowfield, a spin-off of MOMO Riverfront Park, the North Charleston restaurant he owns with his wife Iryna.
"We're not the golf course. We're a restaurant at the golf course," the chef said.
Where the Riverfront location leans into seafood, MOMO Crowfield has a dedicated meat program, with aged filets, Iberico ham sliced by the ounce, truffle french fries, a wedge salad and signature burger, among other options. Seafood is highlighted with shrimp and grits, cornmeal-fried oyster sliders and smoked fish dip.
MOMO Crowfield is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit momocrowfield.com.
Crowfield Golf Club is home to the new location of MOMO.
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Ellie Hawkins, Weston Sims,12 and his mother Melissa Enos-Sims have dinner on the patio at MOMO Crowfield Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Goose Creek.
Darrell Brooks, Kimberly Thomas, Damon Milford and Tarsya Mercer (right) meet for at MOMO Crowfield for a meeting about their upcoming community events Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Goose Creek.
Jeremy Meyer and Michael Dutka use the putting green on the patio at MOMO Crowfield at Crowfield Golf Club Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Goose Creek.
Rachel Savini (center) spends the evening with friends at MOMO Crowfield Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Goose Creek.
Burgers serves on the patio at MOMO Crowfield at Crowfield Golf Club Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Goose Creek.
Megan Savini, Julia Cox,Rachel Savini, Barbara Richardson and Hannah Cox spend time together at MOMO Crowfield that is now open at Crowfield Golf Club Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Goose Creek.
Haley Wright serves guests at MOMO Crowfield Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Goose Creek.
The moon rises over the patio at MOMO Crowfield at Crowfield Golf Club Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Goose Creek.
Tammy Rogers and Joy Hardy spend time around the fire pit on the patio at MOMO Crowfield at Crowfield Golf Club Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Goose Creek.
MOMO Crowfield is now open at Crowfield Golf Club Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Goose Creek.
Global defense provider to create an estimated 250 jobs with new Berkeley County operation
ABC News 4 Staffhttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/naval-manufacturer-to-create-an-estimated-250-jobs-with-new-berkeley-county-operation-goose-creek-hii-global-defense-provider-job-creation-governor-henry-mcmaster
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCIV) — A global defense provider and naval manufacturing is preparing to establish an operation in Berkeley County, with company officials estimating a creation of over 250 new jobs.HII, headquartered in Virginia, said they will achieve this through the acquisition of substantially all assets of W International SC, LLC and Vivid Empire SC, LLC, collectively known as W International, a South Carolina-based complex metal fabricator.HII specializes in manufacturing naval ships and defense technology solut...
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCIV) — A global defense provider and naval manufacturing is preparing to establish an operation in Berkeley County, with company officials estimating a creation of over 250 new jobs.
HII, headquartered in Virginia, said they will achieve this through the acquisition of substantially all assets of W International SC, LLC and Vivid Empire SC, LLC, collectively known as W International, a South Carolina-based complex metal fabricator.
HII specializes in manufacturing naval ships and defense technology solutions for clients including the U.S. Navy. The company said they have over 135 years of experience and 44,000 employees nationwide.
Governor Henry McMaster stated, "HII establishing operations in Berkeley County further solidifies South Carolina’s reputation as the ideal location for advanced manufacturing. The more than 250 anticipated new jobs this investment will bring is proof that manufacturing companies of all types recognize the benefits of doing business in our state."
READ MORE | "SC ranks near the bottom of new healthcare cost to quality index: Phia Group"
The transaction, completed on Jan. 22, 2025, involves HII investing in new equipment and retrofitting the acquired facility at 2040 Bushy Park Rd. in Goose Creek to meet its manufacturing requirements. The renovated facility will operate within HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, supporting Virginia-class, Columbia-class, and aircraft carrier programs, according to the SC Department of Commerce.
HII President and CEO Chris Kastner stated, "HII is committed to going where the labor is to increase capacity and increase throughput for our national security customers. This transaction is a win-win with our new partners in South Carolina – we’re excited to bring work and grow jobs. This lets us efficiently add trained talent and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities to the urgent job of building ships, making it a unique opportunity to immediately accelerate throughput at Newport News Shipbuilding in support of the Navy and AUKUS."
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to the project and awarded a $750,000 Set-Aside grant to Berkeley County to assist with building improvements, according to a release. Operations will remain ongoing, and individuals interested in joining the HII team are encouraged to visit the company’s careers page.
A growing Goose Creek looks to spend $13 million on new city offices and public event space
Teri Errico Griffishttps://www.postandcourier.com/news/south-carolina-goose-creek-government-office-event/article_af8017b2-e57f-11ef-b55d-d7456fb586b7.html
GOOSE CREEK — The population here has more than doubled in the last 25 years. And that growth is showing no signs of slowing down, with hundreds of new homes under development, dozens of new restaurants opening and a future destination district in the works.The one thing Mayor Greg Habib said the city truly needs, however, is more office space to...
GOOSE CREEK — The population here has more than doubled in the last 25 years. And that growth is showing no signs of slowing down, with hundreds of new homes under development, dozens of new restaurants opening and a future destination district in the works.
The one thing Mayor Greg Habib said the city truly needs, however, is more office space to serve residents' needs and an event space to gather together.
In the next two years he hopes to make both happen with a new $13 million municipal complex that will serve as city council’s meeting chambers and a venue for weddings, community events and art shows.
The future hall, currently dubbed The Assembly at Goose Creek, is expected to come online in 2026. It will be located behind to the current building by the pond.
“We recognized Goose Creek lacks event spaces,” Habib told The Post and Courier, noting there are very few overall in Berkeley County. “That morphed into a conversation of, well, if we need new office space, we should build an office building and an event center.”
The current government building was erected in 1999 to support a population of roughly 20,000 people. Today, about 50,000 residents live in Goose Creek, and the city has continued to beef up its staff to support them. (Think inspectors, planners and more to address the growing number of permits issued, code inspections and interactions with developers.)
Building out city hall was always part of the master plan, Habib said, but the lack of office space over the last three years has forced the city to get serious about expanding. Staff already has had to reconfigure their workspaces several times over, splitting offices, desk sharing and even repurposing the city council conference room into more cubicles.
Who will pay for it?
Habib said Goose Creek is lucky to have the funds and the flexibility to choose how it pays for The Assembly.
“We have enough cash to pay for it, over and above our required reserve funds,” Habib said. “Interest rates may say maybe you don’t spend all that cash, maybe you do go borrow money if municipal rates are good.”
Some of the funding will come from American Rescue Funds, with a majority stemming from Goose Creek’s booming economy, such as Roper St. Francis' upcoming hospital development, Habib said.
The permit application for Roper's 50-bed hospital in the Carnes Crossroads community was around $250,000, and that money went directly into the city’s fund balance.
As for the cost of daily operations, rent from regular events should more than cover salaries, utilities and more.
“I want people to know that this was very thoughtfully planned, both the idea to spend this kind of money on this kind of project, but also what we needed to meet the needs of our citizenry," Habib said.
What's planned for the space
The new 13,500-square-foot structure will consist of offices, a conference room, storage, a warming kitchen and the main 3,500-square-foot hall that will be co-used as council chambers and an event space.
The primary room can hold approximately 240 people standing and has a nearly 3,000-square-foot pre-function hall that can serve as a secondary gathering area or a food prep station for weddings and parties, said Alexis Kiser, special projects manager for the city.
"There will be city-sponsored events, just like there currently is across our municipal campus," Kiser said, adding the city has already tossed around family events and a potential comic book convention.
When town meetings arise, council can roll out a dais — the bench for council members — that will be housed otherwise in a storage room.
Outside, a 7,500-square-foot terrace will overlook the pond at city hall.
“That alone is half the building size,” Kiser said. “The idea for that and the hall is if you’re running a wedding for example, you’re not sacrificing event space.”
The existing building will remain the primary offices for the town and chamber for the next 18 months. Towards the latter half of 2026, the current two-story council chamber will be converted into eight dedicated closed-door offices, six touchdown spaces, a conference room and a reception area for permitting.
Kiser anticipates breaking ground in the middle of March with the building going vertical in June. Toward the end of 2026, there’ll be an overlap of about six months of construction where council will be without a chamber and will most likely head to off-site venues like schools or libraries.
City council will review The Assembly at Goose Creek plans at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 in town hall during its monthly meeting.
Inside Goose Creek operations of the largest military shipbuilder in the US
Hollie Moorehttps://charlestonbusiness.com/inside-goose-creek-operations-of-the-largest-military-shipbuilder-in-the-u-s/
Home>Manufacturing>Inside Goose Creek operations of the largest military shipbuilder in the USA new division of the largest military shipbuilder in the U.S. is in full swing after establishing operations in South Carolina just two months ago.Newport News Shipbuilding-Charleston Operations, a facility in a division of Virginia-based ...
Inside Goose Creek operations of the largest military shipbuilder in the US
A new division of the largest military shipbuilder in the U.S. is in full swing after establishing operations in South Carolina just two months ago.
Newport News Shipbuilding-Charleston Operations, a facility in a division of Virginia-based Huntington Ingalls Industries, better known as HII, began in Goose Creek roughly 60 days ago.
In two days, the site, which spans nearly 50 acres and includes roughly 500,000 square feet of manufacturing space, will send off its first structural unit to NNS headquarters in Virginia for U.S. Navy aircraft carrier production.
NNS is the sole builder of aircraft carriers for the nation and one of the two companies that build submarines for the U.S., Matt Needy, general manager and vice president of Charleston operations, said during a tour of the sprawling facility on Wednesday. The company has overseen the design, construction, overhaul and repair of more than 800 ships for the U.S. Navy and commercial customers since beginning 139 years ago.
The purpose of the NNS Goose Creek operations is to specialize in modules of the submarines and aircraft carriers to unburden the main production in Virginia, Needy said.
In January HII closed on the acquisition of all the assets of metal fabricator W International SC LLC and Vivid Empire SC LLC (collectively “W International”). Financial terms of the deal were not revealed.
The company specializes in two classes of nuclear-powered submarines, the Virginia-Class and the Columbia-Class. Modules that the Goose Creek operations produce include the habitability module, auxiliary machine room and weapons module of the Virginia-Class along with the auxiliary machine room and the weapons module for the Columbia-Class, Needy said.
Needy said HII had it sights set on South Carolina for some time, considering the pre-established manufacturing workforce in the region.
“Because of the buildings, because of the people that are here, because of the pipelines, because of the state and regional and educational relationships that we already had the foundation of, this became the obvious choice to most rapidly expand capacity and frequency for Newport News,” Needy said.
Creating a workforce pipeline
During the acquisition, 99% of the legacy employees from W International transitioned. Currently employing 475 workers at the Goose Creek location, Needy hopes to see those numbers rise by the hundreds.
Alexis Mervin, a class-three welder, has been working at the facility for three years.
“Everyone gets along very well here, its a lot of team membership and working with each other,” Mervin said. “I’m over here building aircraft carriers for the Navy, submarines as well. It’s just an amazing experience.”
When joining the NNS Goose Creek facility, employees go through a 12-week course learning the specifics of NNS operations. During their training, they are considered full-time employees with benefits.
“This is a people-centered business,” Needy said. “It takes the heads, the hearts, the minds of a lot of great shipbuilders doing this complex work every day to bring the ships to life.”
Since starting the training program in October 2021, there have been about 1,200 students to graduate from it, Mark Schmitt, director of plant services operations, said. Schools like Goose Creek High School and Berkley High School teach a curriculum that helps the transition into the Newport News curriculum.
“You have these young guys and gals coming out of high school and signing letters in front of everybody going to colleges and universities,” Schmitt said. “Our version of that is The Summit. They come here, their parents come out here and they sign a letter of intent saying ‘I’m going to go be a welder for Newport News.’ It really is a powerful thing for us.”
Ashanti Grant, an 18-year-old welder for Newport News, heard about the opportunity through his high school. After attending Trident Technical College, he is finished his training with Newport News and has been working for about a year
“I didn’t know anything about welding before the job fair,” Grant said. “It’s really good here.”
Related: Boeing commits to $1 billion Charleston County expansion
Related: Nation’s largest military shipbuilder closes on Charleston County acquisition
The site spans 48-acres along the Cooper River, allowing access to deep water transportation as well as rail transportation that goes through the acreage. The land contains 480,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
Making an investment in the Lowcountry
Located next to the HII campus is a Leonardo DRS building under construction to open in 2026. The company is a leading provider of naval power and control technology solutions for the U.S. Navy. Needy said the two companies share a property line, road access and single barge slip so they are having meetings to maintain that relationship.
Materials for the productions are all sourced from the U.S. According to Needy, HII spends $500 million annually on local sourcing in the Lowcountry. Additionally, HII operations contribute $110 million per year in investments to its workforce, including education, scholarships, retirement and more.
“The Navy is in more demand than ever,” Needy said. “In my 34 years here with Newport News and the Huntington Ingalls Industries, I’ve never seen demand like the need for the ships that we build today.”
When the facility was W International, operations were exclusively a welding facility. Needy says the NNS goal is to build off those operations, scaling into something larger.
Needy said once the locations operations are at full capacity, it won’t just be steel structures for the modules being sent out, but fully outfitted modules with doors, walls, beds and more. He doesn’t expect the facility to be at its full-rate production capacity until 2027 and 2028.
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