Eastern Shipbuilding Focuses on Employees in Hurricane's Aftermath

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, a family-owned and operated shipbuilder that is involved in both government and commercial vessel construction and repair, is focusing on helping its employees recover from the effects of Hurricane Michael. The company’s two major shipyards are based in Bay County, FL, which was declared a major disaster area in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.

“The damage caused by Hurricane Michael has affected our community and our lives. As a family-owned business, we consider our employees part of our family and they are our first priority,” said President Joey D’Isernia. “We remain committed to doing everything we can to help them through this difficult time.”

ESG and its network of suppliers are currently supporting ESG employees with meals on-site as well as water, ice and other essentials the employees need to take home for their families. Additionally, ESG is bringing in temporary accommodations for a number of employees that were hit hardest by the storm and is offering an interest free loan program to all their direct hire hourly employees that could only work limited hours last week prior to the landfall of Hurricane Michael.

Simultaneously, Eastern is working closely with governmental officials and contractors to restore power, water and communication at both facilities while also repairing the damage in a concerted effort get the yards fully operational again as soon as possible. Several portable diesel generators have been shipped in to provide temporary power while the permanent electrical infrastructure is repaired.

“Although we were significantly impacted by this catastrophic weather event, we are making great strides each day thanks to the strength and resiliency of our employees,” said D’Isernia. “We are filled with hope and pride as we see family, neighbors and volunteers helping each other and we are grateful to our partners, customers and the federal and state lawmakers that have assisted us so far on our path to recovery.”