First Friday: Eastern Shipbuilding Group celebrates 50 years

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Eastern Shipbuilding Group is celebrating 50 years in Northwest Florida. Company leaders say its impact goes beyond the ships it builds.

Eastern Shipbuilding builds vessels for commercial and government customers. The company said it is currently working on eight programs, including projects for the U.S. Navy and Army Corps of Engineers.

Eastern has more than 1,300 employees. The company is partnering with Tom P. Haney Technical College to train future marine electricians through a paid apprenticeship program.

Company leaders said Eastern’s economic impact extends beyond its own workforce. They estimate every job at the shipyard generates another 2.7 indirect and induced jobs in the community.

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