It’s a project five years in the making. The Marinette County Association for Business and Industry held the grand opening of their new Wisconsin Maritime Center of Excellence on Main Street in Marinette yesterday. Among those in attendance at the event were Governor Scott Walker and Representative John Nygren. Nygren says the idea for the facility was first brought to him in 2013 and the process to make it a reality came with its fair share of challenges.
Half of the Center of Excellence will house US Navy personnel involved in the Littoral Combat Ship program at Marinette Marine. Marinette Marine recently announced they’ll be seeking financial support to expand their operations. When asked about the state’s role in the effort, Governor Scott Walker said he’s committed to ensuring the local shipbuilder continues to thrive in the community.
Beyond the space they provide for naval operations, WMCOE is a business incubator designed to aid start-up and expanding businesses in Marinette County by providing office and manufacturing space.