Project Could Create up to 600 New Jobs

Governor Also Announces $161,600 Training Grant for Tufco Technologies of Ashwaubenon

The Department of Commerce provided Bay Shipbuilding Company with $2 million in Enterprise Development Zone credits to assist the company as it upgrades the manufacturing facilities at its Sturgeon Bay plant. Governor Jim Doyle made the announcement during a visit to the company today.

"This is a terrific win for Door County and all of Wisconsin," Governor Doyle said. "My Grow Wisconsin initiative calls for investing in manufacturing so we can create good jobs for our citizens. This project will help expand the shipbuilding industry in Door County and continue the tradition of excellence that world markets have come to expect from Wisconsin’s shipbuilding craftspeople. And it will support the creation of 600 new family-supporting positions over the next three years."

Bay Shipbuilding Co. is modernizing and upgrading its steel-cutting-and-fabricating capability at its Sturgeon Bay facility. Recent increased shipping activity has elevated its commercial shipbuilding, maintenance, and repair business, leading the company to develop a two-phase plan to increase efficiency and expand capacity. The project includes construction of a 14,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility at a cost of $3 million to house a new panel line and welding equipment. Commerce is providing $2 million in Enterprise Development Zone credits to support the expansion.

"We are honored that Governor Jim Doyle is visiting our shipyard," said Pat O’Hern, vice president and general manager of Bay Shipbuilding Co. "Shipbuilding is a great example of high-end manufacturing, and the activity we enjoy here today displays that very fact.

Wisconsin's interest in and support of our manufacturing operations and the partnership promoted by the Enterprise Development Zone Tax Credits are most welcome. Governor Doyle is to be commended for his efforts."

Through his "Grow Wisconsin" Initiative, Governor Doyle is committed to strengthening and upgrading the state’s manufacturing sector and to providing training to workers to upgrade their skills. The Governor has directed Commerce to focus its existing training program resources to help manufacturers train their employees.

At the Bay Shipbuilding Company event, the Governor also announced that Tufco Technologies, Inc. of Ashwaubenon will receive a $161,600 Customized Labor Training grant from Commerce to train 76 new and current employees on new equipment in connection with a $3.6 million expansion. The company provides converting services and packaging solutions for the home, baby care, and medical care industries.

Bay Shipbuilding is part of Manitowoc Marine Group, a subsidiary of The Manitowoc Company, Inc. Manitowoc Marine Group (MMG) is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship repair, and conversion services for government, military, and commercial customers throughout the maritime industry. Other members of MMG include Marinette Marine Corporation, Toledo Shiprepair Co., and Cleveland Shiprepair Co.

The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is a diversified, multi-industry, capital goods manufacturer headquartered in Manitowoc, WI. Besides its Marine group, Manitowoc is one of the world's largest providers of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes, tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes, and boom trucks. In addition, the company produces the broadest line of cold-focused equipment in the foodservice industry, which includes ice-cube machines, ice/beverage dispensers, and commercial refrigeration equipment.

For more information about the Enterprise Development Zone Program, visit http://commerce.wi.gov/CD/CD-bed-ez.html or contact Enterprise Development Zone Specialist Todd Jensen at (608) 266-3074 or tjensen@commerce.state.wi.us.

--Tony Hozeny

The newsletter is issued electronically every other month.

Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.