(ONAWAY and SAGINAW, Mich.) — Moran Iron Works (MIW) and Merrill Technologies Group Inc. have entered into a teaming agreement to pursue naval vessel programs that could not otherwise have been captured by either company because of the size of the assemblies.
Merrill has extensive experience in the development, design, engineering and manufacturing of large, complex metal products. Merrill ships products from its facilities by truck or rail, which limits the size of assemblies.
Moran, similarly, has extensive capabilities in the development, design, engineering and manufacturing of large and complex metal products. Importantly, Moran has access via a high-wire corridor to its deepwater port in Rogers City, Mich. This permits Moran to ship assemblies by way of water that are too large to be transported by rail or truck.
Merrill is leading the business development efforts for this joint initiative. Merrill and Moran will both be involved in manufacturing these challenging components, with some of the work being shipped from Moran.
“Merrill has been a great partner in the past and we are very excited to be working with them again to contract meaningful work for our companies and secure jobs for our communities,” said Tom Moran, MIW CEO and founder. “This alliance is all about joining forces to bring the maximum value to the client by best utilizing the respective strengths of each company. We expect to meet challenges and exceed expectations as we work together in our common goal to bring naval vessel work to Michigan.”
“This is an excellent example of two industry players choosing to partner, instead of compete," said Jeff Yackel, Merrill executive vice president. "Our organizations can accomplish together, what we could not accomplish independently. At the end of the day, not only will Moran and Merrill win, but the state of Michigan, and those clients who put their trust in us, will win."
