Austal founder addresses fraud case impact | FOX10 News
Austal USA, the Mobile-based shipbuilder, recently made headlines for pleading guilty to federal fraud charges and agreeing to pay a hefty $24 million fine. In response to this accounting scandal, the company’s founding director, John Rothwell, spoke out for the first time publicly, acknowledging that mistakes were made by the management team.
During a press conference overlooking the Mobile River, Rothwell expressed his concerns about the situation, labeling it as “damaging” and “worrying.” However, he emphasized that the errors were unintentional and described them as a corporate mistake rather than a malicious act. He also defended the company’s former president, Craig Perciavalle, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, attributing his actions to misplaced optimism and pride.
Despite these recent legal challenges, Rothwell and Richard Spencer, the current chairman of Austal, remain optimistic about the company’s future. Austal, originally a small Australian company, has since expanded to become a major player in the U.S. defense industry, employing over 3,000 workers in Mobile. Plans are in place to increase the workforce to 5,000 in the next 30 months to support the construction of naval submarines and surface ships.
Spencer also addressed other key issues facing Austal, such as the Large Unmanned Surface Vehicle program and the potential opportunity to build a new class of frigate for the U.S. Navy. Despite uncertainties in the industry and the need for a ramp-up period, both Rothwell and Spencer are confident in Austal’s ability to overcome these challenges and continue its growth trajectory.
As Austal diversifies its product line and expands its operations, finding skilled workers to fill new positions may be a significant hurdle. Spencer emphasized the importance of community support in recruiting and training workers, highlighting the need for collaboration between the company and local government agencies.
Overall, while Austal’s recent legal troubles have been concerning, the company remains dedicated to its future growth and success in the defense industry. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for expansion, Austal is poised to overcome these obstacles and continue its impressive trajectory in the years to come.
