Galloway Company completes expansion in Neenah
Galloway Company, the number one supplier of cream liqueur bases and sweetened condensed milk in the U.S., debuted its expanded Neenah production facility in January, effectively doubling the nation’s capacity for producing sweetened and condensed milk. The $70 million, 41,000-square-foot expansion project includes a second evaporator and, officials said, will allow the company to take on new customers for the first time in four years and add about 20 new jobs in 2025. The new system will also enable greater customization of products, allowing the company to meet the needs of clients of all sizes — from full tanker trucks to smaller batches packaged in totes and 5-gallon pails.
“Over the last four years, we’ve seen growing constraints from the bakery and confectionery markets, with extended lead times and maxed‑out production capacities,” said Mike Hasler, Galloway’s director of industrial sales. “This expansion ensures we can not only meet the demand of our existing customers but also welcome new business.”
Suburban Enterprises to expand in Appleton
Suburban Enterprises, Inc. has acquired a 40,000-square-foot building at 3300 E. Venture Road in Appleton to support the continued growth of its four divisions: electrical, automation, fabrication and technology. Suburban Fabrication will utilize a majority of the shop and warehouse space to meet increasing demand, allowing it to handle larger, more complex projects that can be shipped nationwide. The new facility, which is located near the north I-41 and Highway 441 interchange, became operational in December 2024.
“This is a result of executing on our growth initiatives across our divisions. It starts with our team members, making sure they have a world class culture to live in, they have careers (not jobs) and career paths, along with the benefits, pay, bonuses and company stock to live the life they want to,” said Perry Schisel, Suburban Enterprises president and CEO. “Over 90% of our revenues come from repeat business. They describe Suburban as reliable, quality, great communicators, responsive and friendly.”
ORBIS to close Menasha plant this month
ORBIS Corporation announced it will consolidate its operations in a new Greenville, Texas facility, resulting in the layoff of 109 employees at its plant in Menasha. ORBIS, an affiliate of Menasha Packaging that makes plastic products it markets as sustainable, reusable packaging, said in a letter to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development the Menasha plant will close by March 16. ORBIS, headquartered in Oconomowoc, also has a manufacturing facility in De Forest.
The layoffs will likely occur in phases, according to the letter, which also said some employees affected by the closure of the Menasha facility may be offered positions for which they are qualified at facilities located in the Fox Valley region that are owned or operated by Menasha Packaging Company, LLC.
QComp Technologies names new president
Katie Miner has been named president of QComp Technologies. The Greenville-based company provides integrated robotics systems for complex, end-of-line material handling in niche industries such as glass, consumer goods, non-wovens, and food and beverage. Miner, who was previously vice president of integration for parent company OwnersEdge, an employee-owned ESOP holding firm, had been serving as interim president of QComp. During her seven years with OwnersEdge, she has held a number of positions, including director of finance and corporate controller.
“Katie possesses a unique combination of financial, operational and strategic skills which will enable her to make changes that will benefit our customers and employees alike,” said Rob Dillon, CEO of OwnersEdge.
Oshkosh Defense receives $214.8 million order
Oshkosh Defense recently received multiple orders for additional Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle A2 (FMTV A2) trucks and trailers by the U.S. Army Contacting Command – Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA), representing a total order value of $214.8 million. Since its initial contract award in 2018, Oshkosh Defense has received orders for more than 3,000 FMTV A2s.
“The FMTV A2 LVAD reinforces the U.S. Army’s commitment to equipping soldiers with the capability they need, when and where they need it most,” said Pat Williams, chief programs officer for Oshkosh Defense. “We’re proud to provide these critical vehicles to the airborne community and support the U.S. Army with this urgent operational need.”
Plymouth-based beverage maker expands into Indiana
Carbliss has expanded into Indiana, marking its 14th state and its first statewide distribution since launching in its home state of Wisconsin. The company, which was recently named the No. 1 Fastest Growing Food and Beverage Company in the U.S. by Inc. 5000, produces ready-to-drink cocktails with zero sugar, zero carbs and 100 calories per can.
“Indiana is a huge step forward for Carbliss, not only because it’s our 14th state and because it’s our first full-state launch outside of Wisconsin. This speaks volumes about the demand for high-quality, premium RTD cocktails,” said Adam Kroener, CEO and co-founder of Carbliss. “We’re taking on the industry giants by staying true to what makes Carbliss special — unmatched taste, a premium product, and a passionate community of team members and fans.”
Wisconsin Plastic products acquired by Georgia firm
Pexco LLC, based in Atlanta, has acquired Plymouth-based Wisconsin Plastic Products, Inc., a supplier of custom extrusions for original equipment manufacturers. Wisconsin Plastic Products was founded in 1994 and has spent the last 30 years providing innovative and proprietary manufacturing capabilities and large profile extrusion technology. It now joins Pexco as part of that firm’s strategic expansion, becoming Pexco’s 14th manufacturing site.
“The acquisition of Wisconsin Plastic Products expands Pexco’s custom extrusion capacity and engineering expertise, while increasing our presence in the Midwest,” said Pexco CEO Sam Patel. “We look forward to integrating Wisconsin Plastic Products’ capabilities into Pexco’s operations, further advancing our position as a leader in engineered custom plastic components.”
Wittenberg manufacturer receives innovation funds
Nine small businesses in Wisconsin, including Wittenberg-based Sativa Building Systems, will receive funds to commercialize their innovations thanks to a state matching grant program that provides assistance to companies in the process of completing projects in the federal Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer programs.
Sativa manufactures proprietary hempcrete block panels for safe and sustainable building construction. Benefits of Sativa’s sustainable, patented Z Panel structures include passive air filtration and resistance to mold, pests, rot and fire. The company is a Phase 2 recipient, eligible for up to $100,000. The U.S. government created SBIR/STTR programs to stimulate domestic high-tech innovation, budgeting over $4 billion in federal research funding annually. Because those funds cannot be used for commercialization activities, the SBIR Advance program fills the gap. Funds can be used to pursue market research, customer validation, intellectual property work or other areas that speed commercialization.
Robinson bolsters automated manufacturing capabilities
De Pere-based metal fabricator Robinson, Inc. has installed the Mitsubishi GX-F ADVANCED 12kW fiber laser and 20-shelf SmartFlex RAPID automation tower, an addition officials say doubles Robinson’s cutting speeds over previous generations of laser technology. Standing three stories tall, the tower is the tallest in Wisconsin for any Mitsubishi customer. It holds up to 120,000 pounds of materials for rapid replenishment or changes.
“This investment in automated manufacturing gives us the ability to meet the demand that our customers are requesting,” said Jamie Tilkens, process improvement manager at Robinson. “This generation of fiber laser completes faster, cleaner cuts without the burr issues common with previous generations. This enables us to increase capacity and deliver finished products in a faster timeframe.”
Waupaca Foundry achieves key data security certification
Waupaca Foundry has achieved TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) Level 2 certification, a distinction officials say demonstrates Waupaca Foundry’s commitment to meeting customer needs throughout the supply chain and aligns with its core values of quality, reliability and innovation. Rapidly becoming the industry benchmark, TISAX is a widely sought-after standard among automotive manufacturers that facilitates global recognition of information security assessments across companies.
“Achieving TISAX certification demonstrates Waupaca Foundry’s dedication to protecting our customers’ data and strengthening the trust we’ve built with our partners,” said Andrew Kelley, director of information technology at Waupaca Foundry. “This accomplishment reflects our readiness to meet the evolving cybersecurity demands of the European automotive market — and beyond.”
Manufacturing Matters! is April 9
WMEP Manufacturing Solutions will present its 27th annual manufacturing conference April 9 in Brookfield. The full day of education and networking events will include keynote presentations from Dan Thurmon, founder and president of Motivation Works, Inc. and author of the book Positive Chaos, as well as John Koskinen, chief economist at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The event will include three learning tracks (growth, operations and people), 12 sessions and a total of 30 speakers.
The event will be held at the Brookfield Conference Center in Brookfield. Registration and more information is available online at manufacturing-matters.org.
Insight’s 40 Under 40 to be honored with new gallery show
Insight’s third annual 40 Under 40, which recognizes outstanding young professionals from across the 18-county New North region, will be honored in a new format for 2025: a four-day gallery show featuring the honoree portraits, captured by Image Studios, at The Art Garage in Green Bay. The show will kick off May 29, when honorees will be celebrated in an exclusive invite-only unveiling event. After the unveiling, the gallery show will be open to all, free of charge.
In addition to the gallery show, honorees will be recognized in a special section within the June issue of Insight on Business magazine. Nominations closed Feb. 14; names of this year’s honorees will be announced at the end of March at insightonbusiness.com/40u40.
Send your manufacturing plant and event news to edit@insightonbusiness.com. Headshots are welcome.
