Shipbuilding was its primary focus from 1853 until the end of World War II, when the company converted the shipyard to produce machinery for paper manufacturing.
The yard built more than 500 ships, from large cargo vessels to small warships and yachts, including Volunteer, the winner of the 1887 America's Cup.
[4] These two yards delivered 20 ships to the United States Shipping Board, all requisitions: The Wilmington yard delivered 14 vessels, all requisitions, and two minesweepers for the United States Navy: After the business slump of the early 1920s, the company reorganized in 1927 under businessman Clement C. Smith, becoming Pusey and Jones Corporation.
The highest employment was reached during World War II, when more than 3,600 employees worked in the shipyards, plants and offices of the company.
After World War II, Pusey and Jones converted the shipyard's facilities to manufacture papermaking machinery.