Electric Boat Expands Connecticut Footprint with Crystal Mall Acquisition
Waterford, CT – Electric Boat (EB), a leading submarine manufacturer and a subsidiary of General Dynamics, announced Thursday teh purchase of Crystal Mall in Waterford, Connecticut. The acquisition, encompassing the entirety of the property excluding the former Sears location, marks a critically important expansion of EB’s presence in Southeastern Connecticut as the company ramps up production of Columbia– and Virginia-class submarines.
This purchase builds on EB’s earlier acquisition of the former Macy’s store at the mall in June, both moves driven by a growing need for office and technical space. According to Mark Rayha, President of General Dynamics Electric Boat, the Waterford location presents a “unique possibility…to consolidate support functions and focus our waterfront footprint on efficiently delivering the submarines our nation needs.”
The repurposed mall will house expanded engineering, training, and software growth operations crucial to supporting the ongoing submarine programs. Electric Boat anticipates the facility will eventually employ between 4,000 and 5,000 personnel, with a projected move-in timeframe beginning in mid-2027, pending necessary renovations and refurbishment.
Senator Chris Murphy expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating he looks forward to collaborating with Electric Boat to ensure a “smooth transition” of the site into a “cutting-edge submarine facility.”
Electric Boat has committed to working with current tenants of Crystal Mall to facilitate the transition, minimizing disruption as the property is transformed to meet the needs of the expanding defense contractor. The acquisition underscores Electric Boat’s commitment to the region and it’s vital role in national defense.