Construction begins on innovative facility to strengthen Mississippi River infrastructure

Salas O’Brien joined the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Memphis District to mark a major milestone on August 17 with the groundbreaking of a new automated mat casting facility in Drummonds, Tennessee. The $43.9 million design-build project is the largest contract in Memphis District history, with Salas O’Brien serving as the prime contractor and leading the work from design through construction, alongside Burr & Cole, Rose Construction, and Pathfinder Systems.

The event marked the transition from planning and design into construction. Attendees saw renderings of the project’s planned phases and heard remarks from key project officials, including Derrick Smith, Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management, USACE Memphis District; Col. John Morrow, Commander, USACE Memphis District; Col. James Pence, Acting Commander, USACE Mississippi Valley Division; the Hon. James Reeder, USACE Mississippi River Commission; and Harry Kleiser, President, Salas O’Brien.

This milestone reflects the strong partnership between the USACE Memphis District and the Salas O’Brien project team. We’re excited to move from planning into construction and begin delivering a facility that will enhance operational capabilities.

Charlie GainesVP, Senior Project Manager

The new facility will produce articulated concrete mattresses used to stabilize riverbanks and reduce erosion along the Mississippi River. The effort builds on Salas O’Brien’s longstanding partnership with USACE, including its role in developing Armor 1, the robotics system used to deploy the mats along the riverbank.

The project reflects a broader shift in how critical infrastructure is designed, built, and operated. By bringing automation and advanced manufacturing principles to a process that has historically relied on highly specialized manual production, Salas O’Brien is helping USACE modernize an essential capability through engineering-led construction while preserving the reliability and precision the mission demands. It is an example of how thoughtful engineering innovation can extend the life and effectiveness of long-standing infrastructure systems while preparing them for the needs of the future.

Salas O’Brien is honored to partner with the USACE Memphis District on this first-of-its-kind facility, combining advanced automation, industrial design, and design-build delivery. Together, we are building more than just a facility. We are advancing innovation, strengthening critical infrastructure, and investing in the long-term resilience of the communities and industries that depend on the river. Delivering a project of this magnitude takes a strong team, and we’re grateful to USACE and our teaming partners for the trust and collaboration that are bringing this vision to life.

Harry KleiserPresident

Salas O’Brien team members (left to right): Jillian Martin, Joseph Angelilli, Harry Kleiser, Charlie Gaines, and Charles Motes.

As construction begins, Salas O’Brien will lead the design-build effort to deliver a new automated production capability that supports The Corps’ work to maintain a safe and reliable Mississippi River navigation channel.

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