Fincantieri Marinette Marine. PC: Fox 11 Online
MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Fincantieri is receiving $10 million in U.S. Navy and U.S. Maritime Administration funding for new equipment to help improve its operations.
This means getting robotic welding systems and other modern tech to improve shipbuilding.
The improvements will be made at the shipbuilder’s Marinette, Sturgeon Bay and Green Bay locations.
“The technology has been under development for a couple of years and it’s finally getting to the place where it’s production ready. So that’s a big part of this. We’re going to be procuring several of those robots,” Fincantieri Vice President of Program Management Tom Levac said.
Levac said the robots will work alongside their employees for faster shipbuilding.
The investment will also fund advanced cutting and forming equipment.
Additionally, Fincantieri is receiving nearly $233,000 from the state to train its workers to operate the new robotic systems.
The new equipment comes at a crucial time for Fincantieri.
Back in February, Marinette Marine was tapped by the U.S. Navy to build at least four ships.
It’s part of their Medium Landing Ship (LSM) program and it’s expected to have a big economic impact.
LSMs are mid-sized Navy vessels that transport Marines along with their equipment to shore.
The investment in new equipment will be an asset for building the LSMs.
Levac said this will boost shipbuilding in Northeast Wisconsin.
“It’s a way of saying, ‘hey, we think you’re important and you’re an important partner in shipbuilding programs.’ So it’s always a good sign when this comes through because it says, ‘hey, we care about you. We care about your workforce and you’re being successful as an industry,'” Levac said.
Right now, the LSM program is in its early pre-production stages as Fincantieri plans its design and workforce.
The plan is to begin building two of the LSMs in 2027, with the goal of an ongoing relationship with the Navy.
“We hope to be building many, many more, so we hope this program goes for a long time,” Levac said.
Fincantieri hopes to begin implementing the new technology as soon as possible.
The money will also help the company offer workers $5,000 a year for child and elder care through 2027.
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