Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry to expand in Manitowoc
Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry is poised to add 80 jobs, construct a new 50,000-square-foot foundry, and complete a 12,000-square-foot office renovation over the next year, thanks in part to an $11 million New Markets Tax Credit Investment from Cinnaire announced last month. CEO Sachin Shivaram said the expansion will be done in two phases, with the foundry construction expected to be complete in March and the office remodel in October.
“We see how high-quality employment like what we offer can transform lives and we make extra effort to ensure that our jobs are accessible to anyone seeking employment,” Shivaram said. “NMTCs will play a huge role in helping us continue to be the type of employer that our community has relied on: one that offers high-quality employment and goes the extra mile to help make these great jobs accessible to low-income individuals.”
Johnsonville names new CEO
Johnsonville has announced the retirement of Chief Executive Officer Nick Meriggioli, effective Dec. 31. Don Fussner, who joined the company in 2019 and currently serves as Johnsonville’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer, will succeed Meriggioli as CEO in the new year. During his time at Johnsonville, company owner Shelly Stayer said, Fussner has championed business planning, operational technologies and strategic sourcing. Prior to joining Johnsonville, Fussner had a successful 24-year career at Kraft Foods and its Oscar Mayer business.
“Don is a strategic and operational leader with proven success across the entire value chain,” Stayer said. “He is a strong coach and people-focused leader who will continue to prioritize Johnsonville’s unique culture.”
Kohler Co. to spin off energy business
Kohler Co. has announced that it is spinning off Kohler Energy as a separate, independent business with Platinum Equity engaged as its majority investment partner. Kohler will remain invested in the energy business. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2024, pending the completion of several milestones and legal requirements. Brian Melka will serve as Kohler Energy CEO, with Kohler Co. Chair and CEO David Kohler serving on its board.
“This important moment in our journey signifies our commitment to deepening the focus and investment in Kohler’s kitchen & bath and hospitality businesses and continuing to drive growth within our respective industries,” David Kohler said. “The timing is right due to the strength of the energy business, which is driven by world-class products manufactured and sold by highly skilled associates.”
Muza Sheet Metal expands
Oshkosh-based architectural sheet metal firm Muza Sheet Metal Co. opened its second Windsor location in September. Officials say the strategic expansion will allow the company to sustain robust growth and efficiently serve clients across the state. The new 40,000-square-foot facility in Dane County includes cutting-edge amenities such as a design center, additional storage capabilities and new equipment aimed at boosting productivity. The expansion has also brought 30 skilled professionals into Muza’s workforce.
Cruisers Yachts expands Pulaski facility
Cruisers Yachts is undergoing a 56,000-square-foot expansion in Pulaski that officials say will help the company diversify its lineup with two new production lines that can accommodate yachts up to 75 feet in any style. Alliance Construction & Design of Wrightstown is the general contractor; the facility is expected to be completed in January.
“One of our core values is to look to the long term, and this expansion project is a testament to that belief,” said Mark Pedersen, president of Cruisers Yachts. “We have been looking to expand since we acquired the Pulaski facility in 2021. That plant is designed to build larger yachts, and this expansion provides us with a facility that aligns with our new product development plans for the next five years.”
Edgewater Door to expand in Neenah
Edgewater Door, maker of fiberglass-reinforced plastic doors for commercial use, will build a new $2 million, 45,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on 10 acres in Neenah’s Southpark Industrial Center. Under a developer agreement approved by the city of Neenah in September, the city will provide tax incremental financing incentives of up to $400,000 over the course of 14 annual payments to the company based on tax revenue collected at the property. In addition, the city will provide up to $50,000 for the removal of unauthorized fill at the site. The site has about 6 acres available for development, with the remainder being designated as wetlands. Edgewater Door, also known as Neenah Door, has operated at 175 N. Western Ave. in Neenah since 2008.
Dowco to close Manitowoc plant
In a letter to the Department of Workforce Development Oct. 11, Dowco Inc. announced it would close its Manitowoc plant and lay off all 53 employees before the end of the year. The layoff notice lists 15 salaried and 38 hourly positions that will be eliminated in mid-December. The company, which manufactures boat covers, bimini tops and other marine products, has decided to consolidate operations at its Missouri and Indiana plants.
Dow Canvas was founded in Manitowoc in 1922 and became Dowco in 1996. The business was spun off in 2018 when it was purchased by Indiana-based Patrick Industries, which retained the Dowco name.
Two New North makers earn environmental awards
Neenah’s Outlook Group and Plymouth’s Masters Gallery Foods have been named 2023 recipients of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce’s Business Friend of the Environment Awards. To receive a Business Friend of the Environment Award, a company must demonstrate significant improvements in the areas of sustainability, environmental stewardship or environmental innovation. Outlook Group was honored in the sustainability category and Masters Gallery Foods in the environmental stewardship category, both for medium-sized firms.
CFO of the Year Awards are Dec. 5
Insight Publications’ first-ever CFO of the Year Awards ceremony is set for Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Lambeau Field. Financial leaders from throughout the New North region will be recognized as finalists in six distinct categories, with category award winners to be named that night. Among the manufacturing companies represented on this year’s list of finalists are Muza Metal Products, Fiberglass Solutions, Georgia-Pacific, Masters Gallery Foods, Oshkosh Corporation, Plexus, KI, TIDI Products, Sargento Foods and United Manufacturers. In addition, retiring Green Bay Packers CFO Paul Baniel will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. More information is available at insightonbusiness.com/cfo.
Manufacturer of the Year Awards are Feb. 22
Registration will soon be open for the 2024 Manufacturer of the Year Awards, which will be presented Feb. 22 at Milwaukee’s Pfister Hotel. The annual black-tie event is presented by Baker Tilly, Michael Best and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. For more information, head to wimoty.com.
Fastest growing companies to be recognized Feb. 29
Applications are due Nov. 30 for Insight’s first-ever Fastest Growing Companies rankings and celebration event, which will be held the morning of Thursday, Feb. 29 at Lambeau Field. Following a calculation review process by presenting sponsor KerberRose, the ranked order of the New North’s fastest growing companies will be unveiled at the event, which will also include breakfast and a keynote address. All New North companies with revenue of at least $500,000 in fiscal years 2020, 2021 and 2022 are eligible to be ranked. Learn more at insightonbusiness.com/fastest.
