MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A new building that will house construction of the Navy’s new frigate-class ships opened Thursday.
Gov. Tony Evers visited Fincantieri Marinette Marine for a ribbon-cutting for Building 34.
“These are great jobs here. How many people can go home at night and say they’re building a ship that’s going to make America safe? It’s a great place to work and we’re looking forward to continuing to invest in it.”
Building 34 will be the hub for building the Navy’s newest ships. The shipyard was awarded the contract to build the first frigate in April 2020, the second in May 2021.
Fincantieri has spent more than $300 million to prepare the plant to build frigates, company officials say.
Marinette Marine is expected to hire 400-500 trade workers and 100-200 engineers and other professionals to build the frigates.
The frigates are the next generation of ships following the littoral combat ships. Last month, the Navy announced plans to decommission nine LCS built in Marinette. Still, the latest LCS, the future USS Beloit, was christened last weekend.
