2-28-14 manufacturer of the year

Fond du Lac's Mercury Marine was named 2013 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year on Thursday in Milwaukee.  Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards are presented annually by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) to leading Wisconsin-based manufacturers that produce world-class products and create employment opportunities in their communities. Mercury Marine took top honors in the Mega category, which recognizes companies with more than 750 employees. Mercury employs 5,400 people worldwide, with 3,100 employees in Wisconsin.   “We’re extremely honored to be named Manufacturer of the Year,” said Mark Schwabero, president of Mercury Marine. “The award is a testament to the efforts and commitment of Mercury employees over the past 75 years, and our relentless determination to position Mercury as the world’s leading manufacturer of marine propulsion systems. Our values-based culture makes Mercury an integral part of the fabric of many Wisconsin families and communities.”  Mercury Marine is the largest division of Brunswick Corporation and the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of commercial and recreational marine propulsion systems. Mercury has manufactured more than 11 million boat engines during its 75-year history, and its global sales in 2013 totaled $2.1 billion.  Mercury Marine was founded in 1939 by engineer Carl Kiekhaefer in Cedarburg, Wis., expanding to Fond du Lac, Wis., in 1946. 

Mercury Marine, which also was named Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year in 2006, is celebrating its 75^th anniversary in 2014.  Alliance Laundry Systems of Ripon received the Investing Locally, Growing Globally award.