A $59 million contract has been awarded for the construction of a new painting facility and other modernization work at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. Methuen Construction Co., of Plaistow, N.H., was tapped to build the new facility, which will consolidate the yard’s paint, blast, rubber manufacturing and plastic molding operations into one location, according to a news release Friday from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. The building will be low-rise and consist of industrial shop areas, as well as offices, break rooms, locker rooms, training areas and support spaces. Three existing buildings will be renovated and converted to support other functions.

The new facility will include a high-bay area and shaft refurbishment booth that will be equipped with bridge cranes. A work area for handling large parts will provide access to a portal crane from the waterfront and for truck deliveries.