Mercury Marine hiring 170 workers

FOND DU LAC - A major area manufacturer says it's looking to hire nearly 200 workers and it's looking to do so, by the end of the month.

Mercury Marine says it has 170 spots to fill at its Fond du Lac plant.

The new positions are for people of differing skill levels and this expansion is thanks in part to the popularity of one of the company's newest products.

Within four weeks Mercury Marine hopes to expand its Fond du Lac workforce by about seven percent.

"Oh! It's terrific. This is the best part of what we do. The two things that really get us revved up are coming out with new products and then making more of them," said Denise Deveraux the vice president of human resources.

She told FOX 11 Mercury Marine is making a lot more of its 150 horse power four stroke motor.
According to Deveraux the engine's popularity could be thanks, in part, to a slowly improving economy.

"We are seeing a slight uptick, primarily for the types of vessels that would utilize outboard engines like our 150," explained Deveraux.

Thanks to that uptick Deveraux said Mercury has full time job openings starting from $10.60 to $14.90 an hour.

"Machining, diecast, assembly and some skilled trades as well," described Devereaux.

Area leaders hope once those jobs are filled, it has a ripple affect.

"As the company grows and there's more payroll dollars in the community, there's more money to be spend in the small businesses in the surrounding area," said Steve Jenkins the president of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation.

Jenkins told FOX 11 it's a relief to see Mercury Marine continue to grow in Fond du Lac too, given the company considered leaving Wisconsin only three years ago.

"They're the big economic engine in our community. So we wanna make sure that they're healthy, growing and have a bright future," said Jenkins.

A bright future 170 new employees could soon start.

"Providing career opportunities for people to come their their foot in the door and really build a career here. I mean the average years of service for our employees is around 25 years of service," said Deveraux.

The company told us an applicant does not need to have manufacturing experience for the entry level positions.

People interested in applying for jobs can visit their local Wisconsin Workforce Development Job and Career Center or log on to Mercury Marine’s website. More information about open positions is available at the company’s website or its Facebook page .