Mercury Marine opens new prop facility and releases 2019 sustainability report

Mercury Marine has officially broken ground on a new 30,000 square foot addition to its propeller casting facility. When complete, Mercury’s propeller facilities total footprint will encompass 90,000 square feet. The expansion is at Mercury’s global headquarters in Fond du Lac, will allow the company to almost double its current output for stainless steel propellers.

In total, Mercury will invest $17 million to expand the propeller facility which increases the company’s overall investment to more than $1.1 billion since 2008.

“The market growth in high-horsepower four-stroke outboards, plus the market reception to Mercury’s new V6 and V8 outboards, has driven an unprecedented increase in demand for stainless steel propellers,” said Dirk Bjornstad, Mercury Marine propellers general manager. “This capital expansion will align the propeller business with our increased growth as well as position the business to gain additional market share with new best-in-class propeller designs.”

Mercury Marine also released its 2019 Sustainability Report and enhanced digital presence, focusing on its commitment to social responsibility. The annual report shows that, in each of the major categories of its sustainability initiative, Mercury continues to meet and exceed its aggressive improvement goals. The new digital format will allow the company to update its successes in real-time and allow its partners and employees to monitor major milestones.

“Our commitment to sustainability has never been stronger and I’m proud of the work we have done to consistently set new benchmarks for our sustainability initiatives,” said Chris Drees, Mercury Marine president. “Mercury has significantly reduced its energy consumption and water usage and, at the same time, ramped up recycling and reduced waste going to landfill. In addition, we consistently introduce new products that consume less fuel, meet strict emissions standards and require less raw material in their manufacture. We have achieved significant workplace-safety milestones at several Mercury facilities across the globe and the level of corporate and employee engagement in philanthropic endeavors to improve our world continues to increase.”

The four pillars of Mercury Marine’s sustainability initiative are:

• Energy: Achieving greater energy efficiency by implementing energy-reducing projects, promoting best practices in energy management and employing new energy technologies.
• Environment: Preserving the natural places where customers use Mercury products for work and play; decreasing the use of natural resources through conservation, redeployment and recycling; and returning purified resources to the planet whenever possible.
• Product: Minimizing engines’ impact on water, land and air — recognizing the need for an unspoiled environment in which to live and enjoy Mercury Marine products.
• People: Helping people who relate with Mercury Marine — employees, partners, customers and the communities where Mercury operates — to enjoy happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.