Smarter welding operations The pilot program will bring intelligent mechanized welding systems to HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding yard in Mississippi. Brian Blanchette, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, said the yard already operates some of the most advanced automated production systems in the US shipbuilding industry. During the technical exchange, Ingalls demonstrated its hybrid laser welding capabilities, robotic manufacturing systems, and production layouts designed to streamline ship construction. Those discussions helped identify practical opportunities where HHI’s intelligent welding technology could fit into existing US shipyard operations. Broader automation push The welding systems represent only one piece of HII’s wider manufacturing strategy.