The funding includes approximately $8.3 million through the Navy’s Shipbuilding Capability Industrial Base program and $1.3 million through MarAd’s Small Shipyard Grant program. The investments will support new cutting, forming, welding and automation capabilities intended to improve production efficiency and help the shipyards meet requirements for the Navy’s Landing Ship Medium program and other shipbuilding work. 

The funding builds on Fincantieri’s ongoing modernization of its Wisconsin shipyard network and broader investments in U.S. shipbuilding infrastructure. 

“This investment is an important demonstration of the Navy’s confidence in Fincantieri, our people and our ability to be a partner in strengthening American shipbuilding,” said George Moutafis, CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group. He said the funding would help expand advanced manufacturing capabilities and develop the workforce needed to support future Navy requirements. 

The Navy agreement also allows the company to continue its Employee Dependent Care Contribution Program through 2027. The program provides an annual tax-free payment of $5,000 to help employees cover childcare and elder care expenses. 

Previous Navy funding supported development of a new welding laboratory at Fincantieri Marinette Marine. The facility, which is under development, is intended to bring more welding training, qualification and recertification in-house, reducing reliance on external training and supporting workforce skills development. 

Fincantieri Marine Group plans to use the laboratory as a model for expanding in-house skilled-trades training across its Wisconsin shipyards. The company also maintains existing workforce training partnerships and programs. 

Fincantieri said it has invested more than $800 million in its U.S. shipyards since establishing its U.S. presence about 20 years ago. Through Fincantieri Marine Group, the company employs approximately 3,000 workers in the United States. 

The investments are intended to expand production capacity, improve manufacturing efficiency and strengthen the workforce supporting U.S. Navy shipbuilding and the broader maritime industrial base.