Major Expansion Continues At Marinette Marine

MARINETTE, Wis. (WTAQ) - Construction resumed Friday on a major expansion at Marinette Marine. The firm’s new owner, Fincantieri, said the shipyard has installed overhead cranes with higher capacities – as well as 2 new pipe-bending machines. Now, Marinette Marine is expanding its ship-erection building so a large boat can be built fully indoors. Fincantieri says it will allow the shipyard to build the Navy’s littoral combat ship more effectively, as well as other projects for the government and private companies.

Also, it’s part of a larger effort by Fincantieri to modernize its U.S. shipbuilding facilities. It’s expected to cost $100 million over a 5-year period. Fincantieri bought Marinette Marine and the Bay Shipbuilding of Sturgeon Bay early last year. The Manitowoc Company sold both.