Fraser Industries, HD Hyundai Announce Plans to Modernize Superior Shipyard

SUPERIOR, WI – Fraser Industries has signed an agreement with a South Korean shipbuilding company to explore a major modernization of Fraser Shipyards in Superior. The memorandum of understanding with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering calls for cooperation on shipyard design, construction and operations.

The companies plan to introduce robotics, automation equipment and artificial intelligence-based systems to improve productivity, costs and quality. The partnership will also focus on expanding supply chains and developing a skilled workforce. A consulting contract is expected to be signed later this year. The companies hope to make Fraser Shipyards a demonstration model for efforts to rebuild the U.S. shipbuilding industry.

Fraser Industries CEO Patrick Kelly said the partnership would bring advanced technology and operating techniques to the Superior shipyard. “The cooperation between the two companies will be an important starting point for the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry,” Kelly said.

For the Northland, it could bring a significant boost to the economy.

“It means more jobs. Plain and simple. It means more work coming to Fraser Shipyards. We’re partnering with one of the best shipyards in the world to get better at building boats, get better at repairing boats and that will attract more work over time,” Kelly says.

Kelly says many of the new jobs will be skilled, including welding and electrical. Physical changes at the shipyard are likely to start showing up sometime next year.

Northern News Now