Hydroid, a subsidiary of Kongsberg Maritime and the leading manufacturer of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), has officially opened a new, manufacturing and applied research facility in Pocasset, MA.

The eco-friendly facility, located at 3 Henry Drive, is 40,000 square-feet and houses the company’s engineering, manufacturing and quality assurance operations. The building includes a 20-foot testing pool, a 6,000 meter rated hyperbaric test chamber and a 289 kw solar array. A grand opening event was hosted by Hydroid President, Duane Fotheringham, on Friday, October 3rd, with over 200 guests in attendance. The event was opened by Congressman William Keating (D-MA9) and Kongsberg CEO Walter Qvam.

“This building signifies a new chapter for Hydroid as we continue to cement ourselves as a leader in the global marine robotics industry,” said Fotheringham. “Hydroid’s rapid growth over the past few years has led to the expansion of both our staff and business, and this building enables us to consolidate our operations under one roof.”

“We’re so pleased to see this impressive new building become a reality and we’re proud of the work we did together to make it happen,” said Paul J. Niedzwiecki, the executive director of the Cape Cod Commission. “Hydroid’s ongoing dedication to Cape Cod’s environment and economy is honorable, and our community is proud to support and celebrate Hydroid’s continued expansion.”

The new facility is expected to accommodate 41 new jobs in 2014 to meet the needs of the company’s growing business. To further demonstrate its commitment to the Cape Cod community, Hydroid worked closely with the Town of Bourne and the Cape Cod Commission during construction to ensure the building was completed to the highest environmental standard. The company plans to build an additional 15,000 square-foot administration building in 2015.