September 2026
The Coastal Mississippi market continues to gain momentum as major manufacturing investment, expanding maritime and defense technology operations, and continued hospitality development drive job creation and reinforce the region’s long-term economic outlook.
Hitachi Energy to Build $528M Mississippi Transformer Factory, Creating Over 700 Jobs
What This Means For You: Hitachi Energy plans to invest $528 million in a new transformer manufacturing facility in Gallman, Mississippi, representing the company’s largest U.S. investment to date. The facility will more than double the company’s production capacity in the area and create more than 700 jobs, with production expected to begin in 2029.
Gulf Ship to Invest $43.8M in Gulfport Expansion, Create 121 Jobs
What This Means For You: Gulf Ship plans to invest more than $43.8 million to modernize its existing shipbuilding and steel fabrication facilities in Gulfport, creating 121 jobs. The project will expand production capacity and introduce advanced automated and robotic manufacturing technologies to support growing demand for U.S.-built commercial and government vessels.
Developer Explores Up to $85M Convention Hotel in Biloxi
What This Means For You: Bellamare Development is exploring plans for a 250-room Embassy Suites by Hilton at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center in Biloxi, with an estimated investment of $77.5 million to $85 million. The developer has entered into a 180-day exclusive agreement to determine the feasibility of the proposed convention hotel.
Ocean Aero Creating 45 Jobs With $4M Gulfport Expansion
What This Means For You: Ocean Aero plans to invest $4 million to expand its Gulfport headquarters, creating 45 jobs and increasing production capacity for its TRITON autonomous maritime vehicle platform. The project includes converting 25,000 square feet of existing storage space into production-ready manufacturing space and adding new manufacturing equipment.
Saronic Expands to Mississippi, Selects Port of Gulfport for Marauder Testing
What This Means For You: Autonomous shipbuilder Saronic has established a new testing and commissioning facility at the Port of Gulfport for its 180-foot Marauder unmanned surface vessels. The facility spans more than 30,000 square feet and includes dedicated port access, office and warehouse space, with additional vessels expected to undergo testing in Gulfport as production increases.
Detroit-Based Enterprise to Buy Coast Casino Under New Gaming Division
What This Means For You: Detroit-based Ilitch Companies plans to acquire Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville as part of the launch of its new Ilitch Gaming division, pending regulatory approval and closing conditions. Scarlet Pearl employs approximately 800 people and has generated $30 million in gaming taxes since opening in 2015.
Proposed Black Marlin Casino Development Advances in Biloxi
What This Means For You: The Biloxi Planning Commission approved the master plan and zoning changes for the proposed Black Marlin Casino development along U.S. 90 and Veterans Avenue. Plans for the 119,000-square-foot development include a 300-room hotel, gaming, dining and retail space, although the project still requires additional approvals before moving forward.
