NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — Electric passenger vehicles created for regional travel over coastal waters are soon going to be built in Rhode Island.
Federal, state and local leaders were at Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown Monday to mark the start of construction on a new 255,000 square-foot building that will be home to REGENT Craft Inc.'s new seaglider manufacturing facility.
The Quonset Development Corporation said the company's expansion will add around 300 jobs with the potential to create 750 jobs in the next 10 years.
The facility, located on Romano Vineyard Way, will be leased to REGENT for 25 years.
"This new state-of-the-art facility will produce the Viceroy, REGENT's fully electric, 12-passenger seaglider," Sen. Jack Reed said at the ground-breaking ceremony. "I am looking forward to taking a ride in the Viceroy."
The Quonset Development Corporation said the facility is expected to open in 2026 and will serve customers around the world with over 600 orders valued at more than $9 billion.
“Breaking ground on the seaglider manufacturing facility represents a pivotal moment in REGENT’s history, bringing us closer to meeting the incredible global demand for our all-electric seagliders,” said Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and CEO of REGENT.
REGENT said the modern vessels vastly reduce the time and cost of coastal transportation, with the ability to reach 180 miles per hour.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse called the seagliders "a transportation transformation for coastal communities."
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Rhode Island has already invested $1 million into the company's expansion, also committing to invest $3 million under the Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credit Act and up to $13 million under the Qualified Jobs Program.
Gov. Dan McKee touted the new facility as a project that will help put Rhode Island on the map.
"Companies like REGENT, and investments like this new facility are helping us build the foundation of our blue economy and send a message to the other industries that our state is the place to set up shop and to grow," McKee said.