Marine manufacturing industry thrives in Wisconsin

  MARINETTE, Wis. (AP) — Experts say marine manufacturing is a $6 billion industry that's critical to the economic landscape of Wisconsin.
       About 3,200 people, the majority from the northeastern part of the state, hold jobs in marine manufacturing. A state labor economist says the industry has grown locally and has largely remained local, with most of the money staying in the area. He says the average salary of a marine manufacturing worker is between $46,000 and $58,000 per year.
       Press-Gazette Media reports many Wisconsin boat makers either share ownership or are in separate markets so there is little competitive overlap.
       Long-term orders and contracts are commonplace and help keep the industry stable.
       Marinette Marine Corp. is the largest marine employer in the state, with six U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ships currently under construction.