General Dynamics Electric Boat announced Thursday that it has purchased the Crystal Mall in Waterford to increase submarine production.

The purchase will allow the company the necessary space to expand its engineering, training and software development work.

It will also help the company meet the needs of the U.S. government and Navy, along with creating jobs throughout the area. Between 4,000 to 5,000 people are expected to work at the new location.

The purchase includes all of the current property, except for the former Sears location. In June, the company bought the former's Macy's location.

"We are delighted to announce our further expansion in Southeastern Connecticut. This space in Waterford offers us a unique opportunity in an attractive location to consolidate support functions and focus our waterfront footprint on efficiently delivering the submarines our nation needs," said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat.

Gov. Ned Lamont said the announcement "further solidifies this company's presence in Connecticut, cementing their future in our great state, and shows, once again, that Connecticut has the best and most talented workforce in the world."

The company says the mall will be refurbished to provide space necessary for production, and it expects employees will begin working there by mid-2027 at the earliest. Electric Boat will work with current mall tenants on their next steps.