In a significant development for the marine industry in Wisconsin, Marine Travelift, a Sturgeon Bay-based company, has been awarded a $5.2 million contract to construct a new 620-ton mobile boat hoist for the U.S. Coast Guard. This contract marks a milestone, as the hoist will possess the largest lift capacity ever acquired by any federal agency in the U.S. The hoist is intended to facilitate maintenance and repair work for the Coast Guard’s fleet. The company, which specializes in the manufacturing of boat hoists and related equipment, emerged victorious from a competitive bidding process, demonstrating not only its capabilities but also the trust placed in it by a federal agency.
The announcement regarding the contract was made through a press release by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, who highlighted the adherence to the federal Build America, Buy America Act during the contract award process. This act mandates that all construction materials, manufactured products, and iron and steel utilized in federal infrastructure projects be sourced from domestic producers. Senator Baldwin’s office emphasized the importance of this contract not only for Marine Travelift but also for local economies, underscoring support for Wisconsin manufacturers. Marine Travelift’s president and CEO Erich Pfeifer expressed pride in being chosen for such a critical task, underscoring the vital role that quality U.S.-made equipment plays in assisting the lifesaving missions of the Coast Guard.
The contract is projected to have a positive impact on local employment, supporting approximately 50 to 60 jobs at Marine Travelift and associated businesses, including its sister company ExactTech. In addition to these companies, the supply chain for the project extends to 19 other firms across Northeast and Central Wisconsin that will provide various components necessary for the hoist’s construction. This includes local businesses specializing in parts fabrication, metal components, and hardware. The influence of the contract thus ripples throughout the regional market, further solidifying the role of Marine Travelift as a significant employer and contributor to local economic health.
Considering the labor landscape at Marine Travelift and its affiliates, Pfeifer noted that the company is actively looking to hire new workers, particularly welders, fitters, and machinists, to support the increased production demands that the contract entails. Currently, the workforce at Marine Travelift, along with its associated companies – ExacTech and ShuttleLift, stands at 180 employees. The ongoing expansion and the necessity for new hires reflect the company’s commitment to meet contractual obligations while sustaining job creation in the local area, thus enhancing the community’s workforce capabilities.
The timeline leading up to this contract has been extensive, with discussions between Marine Travelift and the Coast Guard about the specific needs and design specifications for the hoist spanning approximately a decade. This long-term collaboration underscores the intricate process of federal contracting and highlights the level of detail involved in meeting the Coast Guard’s operational requirements. The finalization of the design dictated the subsequent steps, culminating in the approval from the federal government and the awarding of the contract to Marine Travelift.
Looking ahead, the construction of the new mobile boat hoist is estimated to take about a year, with hopes for delivery to the Coast Guard in Baltimore by the fall of 2025. This project symbolizes a commitment to enhancing the operational efficiency of the Coast Guard while simultaneously bolstering local manufacturing capabilities. As Marine Travelift embarks on this significant project, it affirms its longstanding reputation for providing reliable equipment for various federal branches, including the U.S. Navy and NASA, further cementing its position in the marine equipment manufacturing industry.