Palmer Johnson hopes to modernise under $40 million expansion plan The Door County Economic Development Corporation, Palmer Johnson Yachts and Bay Shipbuilding Co. will introduce plans to local government officials for a $40 million expansion of facilities in Door County, Wisconsin, where the two shipyards are located. The plan, according to a story in the Green Bay Press-Gazette, will help establish a more modern manufacturing facility for Palmer Johnson, while creating a joint yacht launch facility for both companies. Alderman Stephen Mann said he believes expanding shipyard facilities will benefit the local community. "I believe the shipbuilding industry is important, and we'd like to see it multiply by two if possible," Mann told the paper. "It's year-round jobs, and it's not tourism-related. If you put all your eggs in one basket, that doesn't work out very well." The Door County Economic Development Corporation, according to the newspaper, developed the plan over the last 12 months. Yacht builder Palmer Johnson emerged from bankruptcy earlier this year and currently has about 150 employees in its Sturgeon Bay facility. The study estimated improvements could lead to 350 new jobs over five years. Since that time, Bay Shipbuilding added more than that number, due to new work on double-hull oil barges. Palmer Johnson's goals in the plan are ambitious, and include having better water access through a newly created boat-launching facility, with a projected cost of US$20 million. It will replace an aging, 192m (630ft) floating dry dock. The company also wants to build new manufacturing space for yachts up to 76m (250ft), and create a separate painting facility that includes modern environmental controls that would speed construction of yachts. By IBI Magazine/Michael Verdon
Expansion gets rolling The expansion of the Palmer Johnson shipyard in Sturgeon Bay is well underway. They are currently working on expanding their current shed and just secured a little state money for their proposed facility on the West Side of the city. It will be interesting to see what they produce when they have greater capabilities. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070418/ADV01/70417235/0/ADV
Palmer Johnson just received $26,500 from the state of Wisconsin to train 80 new welders. This, along with the expansion of their facilities, should help them accommodate a few more projects. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070829/ADV01/70828203/0/ADV There was also a decent picture from their facilities, which shows the next 150', and either one of the 135's or the third 123' raised pilot house.
Apparently PJ has an order or plans for a 170 footer. I saw this in their "tomorrow" section on the website...