Posted on March 9, 2026
By Nate Delesline III, The Virginian-Pilot
Radian Forge, a startup company that produces large-scale, precision-grade maritime parts primarily for the Navy, plans to add 53 jobs and invest $10.5 million to increase manufacturing operations in Portsmouth.
A $265,000 state grant is helping Portsmouth with the project, according to a Feb. 25 news release from Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s office. Funding and services to support employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“Radian Forge’s decision to grow in Portsmouth reflects a clear mission alignment with the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Radian Forge CEO Jeff Yeager said in the release. “The region’s shipbuilding heritage, technical workforce, and direct access to the fleet make it the right place to scale advanced manufacturing capabilities that matter to national defense.”
Radian Forge will lease space at 176 Wavy St. “This prime waterfront location on the Fairlead Shipbuilding property gives us a prime advantage,” Kait Ewoldt, the company’s chief administrative officer, said in an email.
Mayor Shannon Glover said the company’s decision to grow in Portsmouth “is a powerful testament to our city’s readiness for the next generation of maritime innovation,” a sentiment echoed by Spanberger and other local and state leaders quoted in the announcement.
