Ellicott Wins MARAD Expansion Grant

The U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded a $1.75 million grant to Ellicott Dredges to help finance expansion for manufacturing dredges.

Ellicott’s project entitled “Efficient Dredge Building” will create and retain more than 20 jobs and will increase Ellicott’s crane capacity and modernize its machining capabilities. It will also help pay for modern welding equipment and state-of-the-art IT systems for manufacturing and engineering.

Ellicott is among 70 award winners out of almost 500 applicants under a MARAD program to promote productivity at leading U.S. shipyards. Ellicott was the only dredge supplier to receive a MARAD award.

U.S. Congressman John P. Sarbanes (D-03/MD) in commenting on the award noted that the MARAD award would “allow Ellicott Dredges to perpetuate its tradition of innovation and excellence.”

The modernization of Ellicott’s Baltimore plant will complement its new dredge building facility in Wisconsin.

Director of Manufacturing Robb Thomas added that Ellicott will now use its new 3-D design software (Solidworks™) via direct interface between design engineers and factory floor and between plant locations as well to minimize dredge construction time.