Sargento to build new manufacturing facility in Plymouth
Sargento has announced its intent to build a new manufacturing facility on 66 acres of land on Highway 57 and County Road PP in Sheboygan County, marking the largest investment in the company’s history.
“We take great pride in our community and Wisconsin — our home. This investment represents our commitment in Plymouth and our long-held belief of sharing our success with our stakeholders,” said third-generation Chairman and CEO Louie Gentine. “We’re excited for this new chapter for the Sargento family. We look forward to continuing our track record of industry‑leading innovation in our hometown.”
The initial plan is to relocate manufacturing operations from Sargento’s current Plymouth campus to the new 384,000-square-foot facility. Pending approval by the city of Plymouth at its July city council meeting, site preparation would begin this fall with construction set to begin in the spring of 2026.
Split acquisition brings California cheesemaker’s operations to Plymouth
Sartori Cheese has acquired Rumiano Cheese’s organic cheese and butter operations based in Crescent City, California, while Masters Gallery Foods has acquired Rumiano’s converting facilities in Willows, California. Both Sartori and Masters Gallery are based in Plymouth.
Established in 1919, Rumiano Cheese produces premium, pasture-raised organic cheese and butter. It was the oldest family-owned cheesemaker in California. Officials say the integration of Rumiano’s product lines will complement Sartori’s and Masters Gallery’s existing portfolios.
“After more than a century of family ownership, we’re proud to join forces with… family-owned business(es) that truly respect what we’ve built at Rumiano Cheese,” said John Rumiano, owner of Rumiano Cheese Company. “We’re confident this next step in our journey will bring many exciting opportunities to our team, our local farmers, our customers and to the communities we’ve proudly served for generations.”
Hormel sues Johnsonville, alleging former employees stole sausage secrets
A federal lawsuit alleges that a former Hormel Foods employee stole top‑secret sausage recipes and market intel before joining competitor Johnsonville, the Wisconsin State Journal reported last month. Hormel, which is based in Austin, Minnesota, claims in the suit that Sheboygan Falls-based Johnsonville and two former Hormel employees conspired to “unlawfully obtain Hormel’s trade secrets.” Hormel is requesting unspecified monetary damages and that the confidential data be returned and deleted.
The lawsuit alleges that when veteran Hormel employee Brett Sims became Johnsonville’s chief supply chain officer in June 2023, he began attempting to poach other Hormel employees to join him at Johnsonville, apparently violating a non-solicitation agreement. Former Hormel employee Jeremy Rummel reportedly joined Johnsonville this spring after 25 years with Hormel. Rummel allegedly sent “product formulas, processing procedures, acquisition-target information and marketing-strategy information” to his personal email before disclosing to Hormel that he was joining a competitor. Rummel later confessed to sending the information when confronted by Hormel and then proceeded to Sims’ house “with the intent to share the details of his interview with Hormel and develop a plan to protect his new role at Johnsonville,” according to the suit.
MilliporeSigma opens new production facility
A ribbon cutting was held last month at MilliporeSigma’s new production facility in Sheboygan Falls, which produces MilliporeSigma’s Hi-Flow Plus Lateral flow membrane, used in rapid diagnostic testing for infectious disease (COVID-19, HIV, influenza, malaria, etc.), as well as in women’s health, biomarker detection, drug testing, food safety and animal health.
Through the expansion the company has added more than 50 jobs and now employs 600 in Sheboygan County. It also operates a facility in Verona. The expansion was spurred by a $136.7 million contract awarded from the U.S. Department of Defense, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contract is part of an effort to ensure secure local supply and production capacity for critical products for pandemic preparedness. MilliporeSigma is the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of science and technology company Merck KGaA, of Darmstadt, Germany. The division is undertaking a multi-year program to increase production capacity and capabilities to support the growing global demand for vaccines, therapies and diagnostics.
HyPro announces Berlin plant closure, layoffs
HyPro Inc. will close its manufacturing facility in Berlin and lay off all 24 employees in August. The company attributes the closure to “unforeseen business circumstances” in a letter to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
HyPro, a maker of machined components and assemblies for off‑highway, on-highway, marine, military, engine and industrial markets, is headquartered in Waterford and has five manufacturing plants and a technical center. The 50,000-square-foot Berlin plant is the company’s smallest manufacturing facility.
Johnsonville closes Illinois plant, adds 100 jobs in Wisconsin
Last month Johnsonville announced plans to add about 100 additional jobs in Wisconsin after it told 274 workers at its Momence, Illinois packing plant it was closing the facility. The new jobs will support fresh sausage production in Watertown and Sheboygan Falls. Johnsonville’s Watertown facility will add a second shift, bringing about
75 new jobs, while the Sheboygan Falls campus will add about 25 new jobs. Hiring for the new roles will take place throughout the summer.
The Momence Packing Co. plant was built in 1962 and has produced Johnsonville products since 1995. The company determined it could best optimize its fresh sausage operations at its newer locations in Wisconsin and Kansas. By the end of 2025, Johnsonville plans to demolish the aging Momence facility. In addition, Johnsonville plans to make significant capital equipment investments in the Meadowside and Riverside production facilities on its Sheboygan Falls campus, building additional capacity to support current and future consumer demand for fully cooked sausage products.
Rehlko announces closure of Saukville plant, sells Curtis Instruments
Rehlko is closing its Saukville plant and will lay off 66 people by the end of the year, according to a letter sent in June to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The letter states that layoffs will begin in August and be completed by Dec. 31.
Rehlko operates a broad portfolio of businesses including power systems, engines, uninterruptible power, home energy, Clarke Energy and Heila Technologies.
Additionally, on June 30 Rehlko announced it will sell its Curtis Instruments business, which was a key part of the portfolio, to Parker Hannifin Corporation for approximately $1 billion in cash. Officials say the transaction, which is expected to close by the end of calendar year, reflects Rehlko’s strategic focus on strengthening its core enterprise capabilities.
Oshkosh Defense changes name, adds new leader
Oshkosh Corporation has announced the renaming of its defense segment to the transport segment. The transport segment will continue to deliver leading tactical wheeled vehicles and mobility solutions to defense customers. Additionally, it will focus on expanding into commercial markets, exemplified by Oshkosh’s Next Generation Delivery Vehicle contract for the United States Postal Service.
In conjunction with this transition, the company has appointed Steve Nordlund as executive vice president and president of the transport segment effective July 14. Nordlund brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the aerospace, defense and mobility industries, including senior roles at Boeing.
“We’re pleased to have an executive of Steve’s experience and caliber join the Oshkosh team,” said John Pfeifer, president and CEO of Oshkosh Corporation. “Steve brings a strong, people-focused leadership style and a proven ability to deliver growth and operational excellence through clear, strategic direction.”
Endries International names new CEO
Brillion-based Endries International Inc., a global leader in fastener solutions, Class-C components and supply chain fulfillment solutions, announced that Chief Financial Officer Dan Crociata has been appointed chief executive officer, effective immediately. He succeeds Michael Knight, who is stepping down as CEO.
“Dan has been a key member of the Endries leadership team and a trusted partner in advancing our strategic priorities,” said Chairman Steve Endries. “His deep understanding of the business, strong leadership capabilities, and commitment to our customers and team members make him the ideal leader for Endries as it enters its next chapter. We’re also deeply grateful to Michael for his leadership and the enhancements he brought to the business during his time with the company.”
Green Bay Packaging EVP set to retire; company makes historic mill investment
Green Bay Packaging has announced that Bryan Hollenbach, executive vice president, will retire Aug. 31. Matt Szymanski, who is currently the vice president of mill operation will be promoted to EVP and, will succeed Hollenbach in this role.
During Hollenbach’s tenure, GBP experienced significant growth, investment and modernization. The company established a new recycled paper mill, constructed two super box plants, each 500,000 square feet, updated nearly every corrugated converting facility, and completed seven acquisitions that expanded GBP’s geographic reach. This includes the recent acquisition of Southern Missouri Container in June 2024.
Green Bay Packaging also recently unveiled plans for a $1 billion expansion at its Kraft Paper Mill in Morrilton, Arkansas. The expansion is the largest capital investment project in the history of central Arkansas and could more than double the mill’s current production capacity.
Sheboygan falls company to acquire Italian firm
Curt G. Joa, Inc., a machine manufacturing company based in Sheboygan Falls, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Cellulose Converting Solutions, SpA, one of Italy’s major machine manufacturers. The transaction is expected to close this fall, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
“This acquisition is a significant moment for us,” said Rick Michaeletz, president of Curt G. Joa. “We’re merging two family-owned businesses with incredibly compatible cultures. CCS is positioned in the Pescara area of Italy, in an ecosystem rich in talent and resources, which is a huge asset.”
Rockline industries names new president
Rockline Industries, a manufacturer of coffee filters and consumer, medical, and commercial wet wipes, announced the appointment of Robert Rudolph as president, effective July 1, following the retirement of his father, Randy Rudolph, who has led the company for more than three decades and will now become chairman of the board.
“It has been the honor of my career to lead Rockline,” said Randy Rudolph. “What makes me proudest is not just the company we’ve built, but the values-based culture that has been created. Rob understands those values to his core and is the right person to lead Rockline into its next chapter with clarity and conviction.”
RC Mowers expands staff, appoints new CFO
Suamico-based RC Mowers, a manufacturer of robotic and autonomous mowers, in May announced the hiring of new chief financial officer Dave Kempski, along with key additions across its sales, engineering and human resources departments.
“Helping commercial landscaping companies and public agencies solve real business challenges is one of our top priorities,” said RC Mowers CEO Michael Brandt. “These new hires bring the expertise we need to keep pushing boundaries and stay at the forefront of autonomous and robotic mowing. We’re excited to welcome them to the team.”
Waupaca Foundry appoints chief commercial officer
Waupaca Foundry has named Steven (Steve) Wasil as its chief commercial officer. Wasil brings 30 years of experience to Waupaca Foundry, having led multinational teams at Finkl Steel, Olympic Steel and ThyssenKrupp Materials NA.
“Steve’s deep industry expertise and exceptional leadership make him the ideal person to lead commercial strategy as we continue to expand our market presence and strengthen partnerships,” said Mike Hawthorne, CEO of Waupaca Foundry. “His strategic vision and customer-first mindset will play a vital role in our continued success.”
Women of Influence luncheon is July 29
Eight women leaders from across the New North region will be honored July 29 at Insight’s annual Women of Influence Awards. The luncheon event will be held at the Oneida Hotel Casino and Conference Center in Green Bay from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will feature remarks from all eight of this year’s honorees, including Vicki Bayer of the Green Bay Area Public Schools. Dr. Pooja Bambha-Arora of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Michelle Schuler of Microsoft, Dr. Gratzia Villarroel of St. Norbert College, Vicki Updike of New Sage Strategies, Debra Danforth of Oneida Comprehensive Health Division, Lynn Potyen of The GameBoard and Elyse Mollner Stackhouse of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Bay and Lakes Region. Register online at insightonbusiness.com/women.
WiM Summit is Oct. 12-15
The 15th anniversary of Women in Manufacturing’s annual SUMMIT event is set for Oct. 12-14 in Chicago, with virtual registration also available. This year’s theme is “Make Your Mark,” and the milestone event is designed to bring together professionals from across the industry for three days of inspiration, education and connection. This year’s featured speakers will include Becky Crane, vice president of General Mills and Frederique Irwin, president and CEO of the National Women’s History Museum. To learn more and register, visit womeninmanufacturing.org.
Send your manufacturing plant and event news to edit@insightonbusiness.com. Headshots are welcome.
