Final beam installed at world’s first seaglider manufacturing facility

REGENT Craft, the developer and manufacturer of Seaglider vessels, today announced the installation of the final structural beam at its new Seaglider Manufacturing Facility, located at 1 Seaglider Way in Quonset Business Park in Rhode Island. The “topping-off” ceremony, held Nov. 13, marks a major construction milestone as REGENT advances toward opening the world’s first Seaglider production site.

The event brought together representatives from Equity Industrial Partners, Quonset Development Corporation, Integrated Builders, Vision 3 Architects, Zaino & Associates, the REGENT crew, and the team of builders who have worked to bring the facility to life. In keeping with building tradition, the attendees signed the beam before it was lifted into place, symbolizing the collaboration and craftsmanship behind the project.

Once complete in 2026, the 255,000-square-foot facility will serve as the epicenter of global Seaglider production, anchoring a supply chain designed for safety, repeatability, and certification-ready manufacturing. The site’s location within Quonset Business Park provides direct access to deep-water testing areas, established logistics infrastructure, and Rhode Island’s skilled maritime and manufacturing workforce.

REGENT’s investment in the Ocean State underscores its commitment to building the next generation of maritime mobility in America. The company has pledged to create 300 jobs, with potential to expand to 750 over the next decade, unlocking up to $13 million in incentives through Rhode Island’s Qualified Jobs Program.

With a global commercial order book exceeding $10 billion, REGENT is scaling to meet rising demand for Seaglider technology across both commercial and defense markets. The Quonset facility will play a central role in delivering these vessels and cementing Rhode Island as a hub for maritime aerospace innovation and the future of coastal transportation.

Billy Thalheimer, CEO and Co-founder of REGENT, said: “This facility represents more than just a building—it’s a new chapter in American shipbuilding. From 1 Seaglider Way, we’ll deliver Seaglider vessels to commercial and defense customers around the world while creating hundreds of high-quality jobs here in Rhode Island. This milestone is a testament to what’s possible when innovation, industry, and community come together to build the future of maritime mobility.”

Mark Duchesne, VP of Manufacturing, REGENT, said: “This milestone reflects the dedication of hundreds of skilled builders, engineers, and partners who’ve turned our vision into reality. Together, we’re establishing a facility that will set new benchmarks for quality, safety, and production excellence in maritime manufacturing.”