WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) and U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (MI-1) today announced that Moran Iron Works in Onaway will receive $564,300 to purchase a PythonX CNC plasma cutting system. The machine will replace three outdated pieces of machinery and allow the company to take on an additional marine project each year.

This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Small Shipyard Grant program. Senators Stabenow and Peters and Representative Bergman wrote letters to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in support of the Maritime Administration Small Shipyard Grant application submitted by Moran Iron Works.  

“I have personally visited Moran Iron Works and toured their welding school to see their great work up close,” said Senator Stabenow. “This investment will keep Moran Iron Works competitive in the shipbuilding industry and create good-paying new jobs in Northern Michigan.”

“Moran Iron Works has decades of experience in advanced manufacturing in Northern Michigan, and this federal grant will help them to modernize so they can continue to grow and build the marine infrastructure of the future,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. “I was proud to support Moran Iron Works’ grant application and am pleased to announce this funding, which will be used to purchase new equipment that will increase efficiency, accuracy and quality – all while supporting jobs in Northern Michigan.”

“Moran Iron Works is a staple in the northern Michigan community - providing jobs to nearly 100 individuals and promoting economic development throughout the state,” said Congressman Jack Bergman. “Tom and the entire Moran team continue to positively affect the entire sunrise side, and I’m proud of the work they’ve done to qualify for and receive this grant. This investment allows Moran Iron Works to further invest in our communities, and provide more stability and good-paying jobs for the workforce in the First District.”

“Our success in being awarded this grant was the result of Pure Michigan Team work. Our staff at Moran Iron Works focused on a goal and brought together the necessary people and organizations to make it happen,” said Tom Moran, CEO and Founder of Moran Iron Works. “We had the support of Senator Gary Peters office, Senator Stabenow, and U.S. Representative Jack Bergman. All that was facilitated by our trusted partners at the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. I am more than happy for the grant award, but more proud of how the entire State came together as a team.”

"We’re grateful for the strong statewide partnership that enabled this project to be funded,” said Andy Hayes, President of Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. “We’re honored to have facilitated this grant and to have brought together support from Senator Gary Peters office, Senator Stabenow, and U.S. Representative Jack Bergman for a truly unique and deserving company like Moran Iron Works. The increased competitiveness and efficiency, resulting from this grant, will equate to a need for more skilled job seekers within northeast Michigan and opportunities to add to Moran's workforce which will continue to strengthen the economy of northern Michigan."

The U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Small Shipyard Grant program provides $20 million in annual funding to foster efficiency, competitive operations, and quality ship construction, repair, and reconfiguration in small shipyards across the United States. More information about the Small Shipyard Grant Program can be found at https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants/small-shipyard-grants.

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