Radian Forge to Invest $10.5M in Portsmouth, Supply U.S. Navy, 53 Jobs

Radian Forge, a Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) startup, announced plans to invest $10.5 million to expand manufacturing operations in Portsmouth, Virginia, a project expected to create 53 new jobs, officials said in a Feb. 25, 2026 announcement with additional coverage published March 1, 2026. The company framed the expansion as aimed at producing large-scale, precision-grade maritime components primarily supporting U.S. Navy production needs.

The company’s production approach centers on WAAM, described in coverage as a metal 3D-printing process that deposits welding wire layer by layer to create complex parts for defense and maritime applications. Expansion Solutions noted WAAM “enables faster production timelines, flexible geometries, and repair capabilities while maintaining material properties comparable to forgings and superior to castings,” and that the process “relies on commercially available materials, helping reduce supply chain risks and accelerate delivery of mission-critical defense components.”

Radian Forge is currently based at the Fairlead Integrated building at 176 Lincoln St., Portsmouth, and the company “launched in January” and “has five full-time employees,” according to Chief Administrative Officer Kait Ewoldt. VirginiaBusiness reported the company “expects to ramp up hiring at the end of the second quarter,” a timeline officials cited for scaling toward the full 53-job target.

Radian Forge CEO Jeff Yeager framed Portsmouth as a strategic match for the business. “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 CEO Jeff Yeager said in a statement. “This investment strengthens the maritime industrial base, reduces supply chain vulnerabilities, accelerates delivery of mission-critical components and reinforces a community with deep roots in supporting the defense workforce.”

State and local officials highlighted incentives and workforce supports used to secure the project. Governor Abigail Spanberger approved a $265,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the expansion, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Portsmouth, the Hampton Roads Alliance and The Port of Virginia to land the project. Workforce training support will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, and Radian Forge is eligible for benefits through The Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program.

Local leaders welcomed the investment. “Portsmouth has built ships, supported sailors, and powered our maritime economy for centuries,” said Speaker Don Scott. “Radian Forge’s decision to expand here affirms what we already know — our workforce is second to none, and our city remains essential to America’s defense industrial base. This $10.5 million investment and 53 new jobs are a win for Portsmouth families and a win for national security.” Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover added, “By combining our historic naval expertise with groundbreaking 3D printing technology, we are creating 53 new opportunities for our residents and strengthening Portsmouth's role as a premier destination for the defense industry.”

Area Development carried a syndicated notice of the expansion on March 1, 2026. With the company small today and poised to scale equipment and hiring in Portsmouth, the move positions Radian Forge to accelerate delivery of maritime components aimed at U.S. Navy needs while drawing on Hampton Roads’ shipbuilding workforce and direct fleet access.