With the days of summer dwindling and a decision by Mercury Marine about its future in Fond du Lac pending, local and county officials are re-shifting their focus to keeping the company’s corporate headquarters from leaving. They’re tweaking an incentive package that was originally designed to keep the outboard engine manufacturer’s entire operation in the city
An employee union vote Sunday rejected proposed contract changes. County Executive Al Buechel says they would like to see the union take another vote before the contract offer becomes invalid Saturday. As it stands now the manufacturing positions would be consolidated to Mercury’s Stillwater, Oklahoma facility. Buechel says retaining the 800 jobs tied to the corporate headquarters “would help lessen the impact” of the manufacturing flight.
City Manager Tom Herre says the union still has the opportunity to form a long lasting legacy for itself and Fond du Lac.
AUDIO: Herre’s plea to union (MP3 :13)
Meanwhile union leaders are scheduled to meet with Mercury Marine President Mark Schwabero Tuesday afternoon.
The original incentive package state, city, and county officials offered Mercury to stay in Fond du Lac was for a minimum of 12 years.
Contributed by Bob Nelson-KFIZ
