Faith Technologies Incorporated, FTI, will not acquire the former University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Fox Cities campus in Menasha after concluding a 90-day evaluation period that began Nov. 17.
The company said in a release Feb. 17 that while it would not acquire the campus buildings, it would explore future collaborative opportunities at the campus including leasing space.
“We want to thank Winnebago County for their partnership and transparency throughout this process,” said Charlie Fredrickson, executive vice president with FTI. “Although the campus wasn’t the ideal match for our growth plans, as an organization with teams across the country we are focused on finding a location that will best serve our team members today and for years to come, both locally and nationally. We are excited to explore supporting technical education and workforce development through new partnerships and initiatives.”
In an earilier release, FTI said it would evaluate whether the site could become a national hub for workforce development and advanced technology training, including its apprenticeship and ICIAN programs, training in energy and technology skills, and potential space for future research and develpment and advanced manufacturing activities.
The assessment examined how the campus could support the long-term growth of FTI’s engineering professionals and skilled trades workforce.
“This was always an exploratory process and we understood there were no commitments that FTI would take on the campus,” said Gordon Hintz, County Executive. “We appreciated their thorough due diligence and the thoughtful conversations throughout the process. FTI’s feedback and assessment give us a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist as we work to redevelop and repurpose the Winnebago Fox campus.”
Hintz said, “We will work to get the Communication Arts Center and field house open to the public in the short term as well embark on a visioning and market assessment to help determine a future for that campus that adds to our tax base, preserves our community assets, and contributes to workforce development and quality of life in our community.”
