It’s the news that many people have been waiting some time for. Palmer Johnson Yachts in Sturgeon Bay is looking to expand its workforce to meet the demand caused by the recent sale of its luxury yachts. It’s anticipated the sale will mean 150 to 200 employees will find work for the next 2 years. There’s no doubt that the economic downturn on a global scale has hurt the local shipyard, but that appears to be changing.
The yard is currently working on four vessels and one of them, dubbed “Project Stimulus”, has been sold, according to information supplied by the Fort Lauderdale firm, Moran Yacht & Ship. The 215ft vessel is considered the largest luxury yacht ever built in Door County.
The good news out of Palmer Johnson is considered another positive sign that things are starting to turn around for several segments of the local economy hit hard by the recession.