Manitowoc Remains Optimistic Despite Another Company Defection

Local economic officials say the Manitowoc unemployment rate is still low and industries like health care, plastics and food production are strong.  Although the departure of another once-major employer isn’t good news, confidence remains high.  Manitowoc Cranes is moving its headquarters to Milwaukee, a little over a year after 500 employees were laid off.  Another big manufacturing outfit, Mirro Cookware, moved its manufacturing to Mexico almost 15 years ago.  The economic development agency Progress Lakeshore says the changes mean a more diverse economy in the county.