Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/140775
Mercury Marine is cruising back from the recession. "What's more discretionary spending than a boat?" says President Mark Schwabero. The world's largest developer and manufacturer of marine propulsion systems – which nearly moved out of Wisconsin in 2009 – is building a $20 million testing facility at its Fond du Lac headquarters. courtesy of Mercury Marine SteeR theiR Innovation drives Mercury Marine's growth B y M a ry B e t h M at z e k photographs by shane van boxtel, image studios 22 | Insight • J u l y 2 013 Sitting back and relaxing on the water this summer, chances are you'll see the name "Mercury Marine" zip by. Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Mercury Marine is the world's largest developer and manufacturer of marine propulsion systems – the technical name for the motors powering the fishing boats, speed boats and pontoons seen on bodies around the world. While Mercury Marine is now moving in the right direction, the company – Fond du Lac County's largest employer with more than 2,000 workers – was admittedly hit hard by the recession. "What's more discretionary spending than a boat?" says Mercury Marine President Mark Schwabero. But today, as Mercury Marine engines power boats everywhere from Lake Winnebago and the Great Lakes to the Amazon River and expanding markets