Erie has a history of shipbuilding that dates back to the early days of the nation.
Daniel Dobbins made history in 1812 when he oversaw construction of the fleet Oliver Hazard Perry used to win the battle of Lake Erie.
Concept of Gem City Shipbuilding prompts renewed interest
William Lewis, a 27-year-old North East native and U.S Navy surface warfare officer, sees an opportunity for Erie in growing calls to expand the U.S. Naval fleet.
For more than a year, Lewis has been pitching the concept of Gem City Shipbuilding to build Naval ships in Erie, possibly at the site of the former Erie Coke plant.
He sees a national problem that Erie can help to address.
The reconstructed Brig Niagara is seen here sailing in Tall Ships Erie 2022. The original version of the ship is the most famous vessel ever built in Erie.
He wrote: “Gem City Shipbuilding is my vision to support our country and transform Erie, Pennsylvania, into a new hub of naval ship production on the Great Lakes.”
New bayfront manufacturing vision: Erie leaders explore potential for major shipbuilding site
That idea has got the attention of political and business leaders
His idea has won the attention of U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick and sparked interest among local political and economic development leaders who have launched an initiative they’re calling Anchor Erie.
That effort is led by Tina Mengine, CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority, and Kim Thomas, executive director of Infinite Erie.
“Erie was once a powerhouse in shipbuilding, and there is absolutely nothing stopping it from being one again,” McCormick said in a statement.
Where does Erie go from here?
Anchor Erie doesn’t rule out the possibility of bringing a shipbuilder to Erie. However, the group is focusing on a three-step plan designed to position Erie to support the shipbuilding industry.
That plan focuses on developing a skilled workforce, building a supply chain and then working to attract an investor.
“We have gained a broad understanding and an appreciation for the fact that we can attract investment here,” Mengine said.
Erie already has a shipbuilder. Does it see room for more?
John Witte Jr., president of Donjon Shipbuilding and Repair, sees opportunity for both his company and others as local leaders look to expand Erie’s maritime industry.
The challenge is finding the work, said Witte, whose company leases the shipyard from the Erie-Western PA Port Authority.
“We have to have the work to be able to bring in the revenue to pay these people,” he said.
Donjon, which has employed as many as 300 people at its peak, is courting a contract to build Coast Guard vessels.
It’s a reminder that Erie already has a shipyard.
“We are already up and running an active shipbuilding facility,” Witte said. “We don’t need to be cleaned up. What we can do today is kind of being overlooked.”
Witte said Donjon welcomes others to the table.
“Donjon Shipbuilding and John Witte and family are committed to the shipyard and to the industry as a whole. I just want to be a part of it,” he said.
Contact Jim Martin at jmartin@timesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: We examine the past, present and future of Erie shipbuilding