Burger Boat Company Recognizes Employees for Years of Service Burger Boat Company, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, U.S.A.— Spirits were high at the inaugural Employee Recognition Event combined with the dedication of the new 48,000 sq ft. (4,500 sq. m.) state-of-the-art yacht construction facility (manufacturing complex). Fully 25% of the entire work-forced (230 full-time craftspeople) are tenured with more than ten years of service, 50% have between 5 and 10 years clearly demonstrating a major commitment and dedication inherent with the Burger Team. Very few companies can boast of such a statistic. Nancy Melcher, Director of Human Resources in her keynote address stated, “ "World-class status as a company relies upon the superlative day-to-day performance of each and every team member. We are committed as an organization to developing the resources essential to attaining that place in the eyes of our customers and one another”. Rich Auth, Production Manager, gave an emotional speech recalling the Former Burger Workers (FBW’s) coming together when the company floundered in late 1990. “Much has changed under the Ross & Ruffolo ownership and the Company is enjoying a resurgence that is truly unprecedented in the marine industry.” Proudly, 240+ people came together to celebrate in honoring the craftsmen for their years of service. Included in the ceremony were several Burger retirees who helped pave the way for the company to flourish. The event took place in the new manufacturing complex where the latest technologies will create incredible efficiencies. A few of the buildings attributes are listed below: 1. Capacity to build up to 200 ft. (61 m.) 2. Heated concrete floors throughout 3. Overhead bridge cranes (40-ton total) full width and length in all bays 4. High-tech lighting, HVAC and sprinkler system 5. Motorized modular vertical door system with heated tracks 6. Mezzanine level of 6000 sq. ft. for shops at the yacht’s main deck level 7. Digital web cameras throughout for secure client access The first yacht due to be constructed in the new building is a 150' (45.6 m.) Tri-deck, scheduled to begin in October 2004. As one employee so clearly stated, “We have a lot to be grateful for!”
