Buck Love: Moran Iron Works gets grant to expand shipbuilding program

Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Small Shipyard Grant program, Moran Iron Works in Onaway will receive $564,300 to purchase a PythonX CNC plasma cutting system. The machine will replace three outdated pieces of machinery and allow the company to take on an additional marine project each year.

“Congratulations Moran Iron Works. This award will help them diversify and grow their ship building business on a regional and national level,” said Andy Hayes, president of Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. “We were happy to have been able to help them with this important project. Special thanks to our Congressional delegation for their role in supporting business in Northern Michigan. We know that with Moran’s investment and this grant, skilled jobs will be retained and created as Moran becomes more efficient and competitive in their industry.”

U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, and Gary Peters, D-Michigan, and U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, wrote letters to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in support of the Maritime Administration Small Shipyard Grant application submitted by Moran Iron Works.

“Our success in being awarded this grant was the result of Pure Michigan Teamwork. Our staff at Moran Iron Works focused on a goal and brought together the necessary people and organizations to make it happen,” said Tom Moran, CEO and founder of Moran Iron Works. “We had the support of U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, and U.S. Representative Jack Bergman. All of that was facilitated by our trusted partners at the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. I am more than happy for the grant award but more proud of how the entire State came together as a team.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Small Shipyard Grant program provides $20 million in annual funding to foster efficiency, competitive operations, and quality ship construction, repair, and reconfiguration in small shipyards across the United States. More information about the Small Shipyard Grant Program can be found at www.maritime.dot.gov/grants/small-shipyard-grants.