Governor McKee, Federal, State Leaders Mark the 15,000th Job Milestone at Quonset Business Park
Published on Monday, October 27, 2025
3,000+ jobs created at Quonset since McKee Administration took office
QUONSET, RI – Today, Governor Dan McKee was joined by federal, state, and local leaders, as well as the Quonset Development Corporation (QDC), to announce that the Quonset Business Park is now home to more than 15,000 jobs—a major economic milestone 20 years in the making.
Quonset Business Park is the leading engine of job creation and economic growth for Rhode Island and is now home to 252 companies and more than 15,000 people working in nearly every sector of the economy. Quonset is consistently ranked among the nation’s top business parks, and the Port of Davisville is one of North America’s top 10 auto importers.
“This milestone is the latest sign of Rhode Island's commitment to continued economic progress,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Since our Administration took office, we've made crucial investments in Quonset to support projects that drive Rhode Island's economic momentum forward, and have helped add more than 3,000 new, good-paying jobs here. I'm grateful to our Congressional Delegation and the Quonset Development Corporation for their partnership in delivering critical infrastructure needed for job growth and business development."
“Surpassing the 15,000-job threshold is an accomplishment that represents the collective efforts of hundreds of people who worked over several decades to make the Business Park the success it is today,” said QDC Managing Director Steven J. King, P.E. “I am grateful to our current and former federal, state and local leaders, as well as the QDC staff – past and present – who believed in the vision that’s been achieved and that we celebrate together today.”
Since the QDC was established in 2005, strategic public investment in the Business Park’s infrastructure has leveraged $2 billion in private investment and created nearly 10,000 additional jobs.
“I have helped direct over $600 million in federal investments to Quonset to position this world-class business park as a strong economic engine for the Ocean State that drives job growth, attracts new businesses, and lands private investments to get Rhode Islanders working,” said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed. “Today’s milestone shows that decades of federal and state investments have paid off and serves as a great reminder that we must continue working to sustain this growth and ensure Quonset is well-positioned to compete, both now and in the future.”
“This milestone highlights the importance of available and developable industrial land to Rhode Island’s economy,” said Secretary of Commerce and QDC Board Chair Stefan Pryor. “Through continued investment in strategic sites like Quonset, we’re not only supporting thousands of good-paying jobs today but also laying the groundwork for the further growth of advanced industry and innovation in Rhode Island tomorrow. Thank you to Governor McKee, General Assembly leadership, our Congressional delegation, Steve King, the QDC staff, and the QDC Board for continuing to drive our progress.”
The announcement was held at Hayward Industries, an industry-leading manufacturer of pool equipment and automation systems. The company began when two Rhode Island engineers founded Independent Energy, Inc. in 1975. In 2001, the company rebranded as Goldline Controls and expanded its pool and spa product lines. In 2004, the company moved to its current location at the Quonset Business Park and was acquired by Hayward Industries. The Quonset plant now hosts over 250 jobs and supports Hayward’s complex electronic manufacturing systems.
Owen Surette of Providence, who was recently hired by Hayward, was recognized as the Business Park’s honorary 15,000th employee. Surette works full-time as a material planning specialist, where he leads and executes specialized projects across warehousing, purchasing, and planning operations. Surette graduated from the University of Rhode Island’s College of Business in May 2025, where he double majored in supply chain management and finance technology.
“Owen represents the next generation of talent driving innovation at Hayward,” said Pete Macedo, plant manager of Hayward, Rhode Island. “His fresh perspective, strong analytical skills, and collaborative spirit are already elevating our planning operations. He’s a great example of the kind of talent we’re able to attract and retain here. Being a part of Quonset is more than just a location; it’s a strategic advantage with access to world-class infrastructure and a business-friendly environment that makes it possible for employees like Owen – and companies like Hayward – to thrive.”
“Rhode Island is instrumental to Hayward’s innovation,” added Kevin Gallagher, vice president and chief engineering officer at Hayward. “The talent pipeline from local universities and the state’s commitment to advanced manufacturing have made Quonset the ideal home for our most complex engineering and production operations. We’re proud to be part of this milestone.”
“The University of Rhode Island is proud to be part of Rhode Island’s economic momentum and to see one of our recent graduates recognized as the 15,000th employee at Quonset. This milestone reflects the power of higher education and industry working together to drive innovation. Through our partnership with Quonset and companies across the state, URI students are building a stronger workforce and a brighter future for Rhode Island,” said Marc Parlange, President of the University of Rhode Island.
The Quonset Business Park generates $5.9 billion in annual economic output and $1.7 billion in annual household income for Rhode Island families.