RELEASE: Quonset celebrates groundbreaking for new REGENT facility

REGENT

Quonset, Rhode Island Leaders Kick Off Construction of REGENT’s New Seaglider Manufacturing Facility

QUONSET, R.I. – Federal, state and local leaders joined the Quonset Development Corporation today for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction at REGENT Craft, Inc.’s (REGENT) new seaglider manufacturing facility.

REGENT, headquartered at Quonset Business Park, will lease an additional 255,000-square-foot facility in the Park for 25 years. The company’s expansion is expected to create 300 new jobs, with the potential of up to 750, over the next 10 years.

The manufacturing facility will produce 12-passenger seagliders, serving global customer orders worth over $9 billion, and is expected to open in mid-2026.

“Quonset is proud to support REGENT’s expansion at the Business Park, further strengthening our role as a leader in manufacturing,” said Steven J. King, P.E., Managing Director of the Quonset Development Corporation. “With 1 in every 5 manufacturing jobs at Quonset, the state’s investment will create even more good-paying jobs and bolster Rhode Island’s position as a leader in the blue economy.”

“Thanks to companies like REGENT, Rhode Island is becoming a destination for innovation,” said Gov. Dan McKee. “This new manufacturing facility not only bolsters our economy through good-paying jobs, but reaffirms our state’s position as the epicenter of the blue economy.”

“I have helped deliver more than $600 million in federal investments to position Quonset as a strong economic driver for the state to add new jobs, new businesses, and attract private investment. REGENT Craft’s growth and progress here is an encouraging sign. They have demonstrated commitment to creating good-paying jobs for Rhode Islanders in a rapidly growing industry and contributing to our Blue Economy,” said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed.

“REGENT Craft is leading the way toward a future of clean, fast coastal travel, and we are thrilled that they’ve chosen to do it here in the Ocean State, where we are experts in composites manufacturing,” said U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. “The delegation has long invested in Quonset’s infrastructure to grow our Blue Economy, create good middle-class jobs and support innovators like REGENT. You can see those investments paying off at moments like this.”

“Rhode Island has historically been at the forefront of maritime innovation, and REGENT’s groundbreaking work continues that legacy while creating good-paying jobs and strengthening our economy,” said U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner. “REGENT’s growth and success is a testament to Quonset’s position as an economic engine for our state.”

“Rhode Island-based REGENT Craft is a leader in spurring innovation and expanding marine manufacturing in the Ocean State,” said U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo. “I’m glad that they are growing their footprint, creating hundreds of jobs, and contributing to our local Blue Economy with this groundbreaking of a new manufacturing facility at Quonset Point.”

“REGENT is a true Rhode Island success story, and this expansion is a testament to the collaboration between government and business that can only happen here,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. “The Ocean State is becoming the Innovation State: from Quonset and the Port of Davisville in North Kingstown to bioscience incubation in Providence, cutting-edge companies are choosing to grow in Rhode Island. I am thrilled to celebrate REGENT’s expansion and commitment to remain here in Rhode Island for years to come.”

“Quonset is a cornerstone of Rhode Island’s economic present and future. The arrival of REGENT’s seaglider manufacturing facility represents the incredible potential of the blue economy, and it also demonstrates what we can achieve by rallying many stakeholders behind our efforts to foster innovation and attract businesses to our state. I want to thank Steve King and the Quonset Development Corporation for their outstanding work, REGENT for choosing Rhode Island as its home, Rhode Island Commerce for facilitating this project, and the many partners who have joined us in supporting critical investments in Quonset and the Port of Davisville,” said Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio.

“Rhode Island Commerce is proud to support REGENT in the development of their new facility,” said Secretary of Commerce and QDC Board Chair Liz Tanner. “REGENT is a prime example of the innovative, advanced manufacturing companies we aim to attract and grow in Rhode Island – especially in key industries like ocean technology, where Rhode Island excels.”

“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. “We are honored to partner with our state leaders, the Quonset Development Corporation, and our local community members to create well-paying jobs in Rhode Island, reinvigorate American-made manufacturing, and make the Ocean State the global epicenter of the Blue Economy.”

To support REGENT’s operational expansion, Rhode Island has invested $1 million under the First Wave Closing Fund Act and has further committed to investing $3M under the Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credit Act and up to $13 million under the Qualified Jobs Program, all administered by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.

REGENT is pioneering the future of sustainable maritime mobility through the development and manufacturing of all-electric seagliders, new vessels that drastically reduce the time and cost of coastal transportation. REGENT’s flagship seaglider, Viceroy, is a 12-passenger vehicle that travels at 180mph to service routes up to 180 miles on a single charge.

REGENT has secured more than 600 seaglider orders valued at more than $9 billion from leading airline and ferry operators around the world and has raised more than $90 million from investors including 8090 Industries, Founders Fund, Japan Airlines and Lockheed Martin. Learn more at www.regentcraft.com.

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It's never too early to start spring cleaning! Thank you to our hardworking maintenance team for adding a fresh coat of paint to the Business Park's jersey barriers.

Quonset Development Corporation invites you to a conversation with Rhode Island Energy (@wearerienergy) on Thursday, Feb. 13. Learn about upcoming electric and gas system projects and provide your feedback.

Register at http://forms.office.com/r/j2R5pnbNn9 to secure your spot!

Bill Harsch lived his life in service to the people of Rhode Island and the preservation of our environment. His accomplishments are innumerable, and the QDC is grateful for his valuable contributions as a member of our board of directors.

We're proud to serve as @REGENTCraft's global headquarters. The company's success sends a clear message — Quonset Business Park is a place where businesses can grow and thrive.

Officially broke ground on REGENT's Seaglider Manufacturing Facility today!

255,000 square feet of American manufacturing capacity to deliver seagliders to commercial and defense customers.

Opening in 2026 in @QuonsetRI

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