Gov. Doyle: Statement on Mercury Marine

Contact: Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today issued the following statement regarding Mercury Marine:

“There has been a significant amount of speculation regarding the state’s incentive package for Mercury Marine. While the Department of Commerce does not release details regarding on-going negotiations with companies, because doing so would likely put Wisconsin at a competitive disadvantage with other states, I believe that it is important to share certain details because any advantage to another state is greatly outweighed by the benefit to Wisconsin in helping provide information that could lead to a different result should another union vote occur before this Sunday.

“Mercury Marine is offering a remarkable opportunity to consolidate hundreds of jobs here in Wisconsin. Let me assure the Fond du Lac community that this incentive package is largely based on Mercury Marine’s continued and long-term presence in Fond du Lac.

“The State of Wisconsin has offered an aggressive package to assist Mercury Marine. I am certain this package is sufficient to sustain Mercury Marine’s market leadership, and to allow it to consolidate and operate efficiently in Wisconsin. I am equally certain that Wisconsin’s offer is competitive with any other offer from any other state.

“This incentive package is built on economic development programs created in my recent budget with these situations in mind. These incentives are “performance-based” and in order for the company to maximize the full value of the incentives, it must meet certain milestones including the creation and retention of nearly 2,700 jobs and maintaining a significant presence in Fond du Lac for 12 years.

“I hope that this information will help move the on-going discussions in a positive direction. Mercury Marine has been a great Wisconsin company of which this state has always been proud, and we want it to be here for many years to come. The economic incentives in our package are designed to ensure Mercury Marine’s long-term presence in Wisconsin.”