JR Machine acquires Waukesha company
JR Machine of Shawano has acquired ETW Inc., a Waukesha-based company specializing in 5-axis machining, custom tooling and engineering services. The acquisition is part of JR Machine’s ongoing growth strategy and is backed by Schneider Resources Holding, a family-owned investment firm dedicated to supporting Wisconsin-based manufacturing businesses.
The acquisition strengthens JR Machine’s core capabilities in lathe and turning operations by adding advanced 5-axis milling, increasing both capacity and technical expertise for its customer base. ETW Inc. will continue to operate in Waukesha under its current name as a sister company to JR Machine within the SRH portfolio. All employees will be retained, and the existing management team will remain in place.
“We are excited to bring ETW onto the JR Machine precision machining team,” said Paul Knoll, CEO of JR Machine. “Adding ETW’s highly skilled team helps meet the growing needs of our customers, especially those in the space and defense industries. The highly specialized 5-axis milling work that ETW can do will be a great new service in our portfolio.”
FyterTech names new CEO
FyterTech Nonwovens of De Pere has named Matt Wild as its next chief executive officer. Wild has been chief financial officer for more than 11 years, helping shape FyterTech’s strategy, driving acquisitions and integrations, supporting growth initiatives, and championing continuous improvement efforts. Prior to FyterTech, Wild held multiple roles within Kimberly-Clark Corporation. He also serves on the Bellin College Board of Trustees and is on the Chicago CFO Leadership Council.
“I’m incredibly honored to be appointed CEO,” Wild said. “This reflects the trust of an extraordinary organization, its owner and board of directors. I am happy to lead this team and drive the next chapter of FyterTech’s success story.”
“We are focused on achieving high‑growth initiatives and I am confident under Matt’s leadership, FyterTech is poised to deliver these results,” said Andy Hetzel, chairman of the board and owner.
Alliance Laundry acquires New York distributor
Ripon-based Alliance Laundry Systems has acquired the distribution assets of Metropolitan Laundry Machinery Sales of South Richmond Hill, New York. Under the new ownership, the South Richmond Hill (Queens) location will remain open and be renamed Alliance Laundry Systems Distribution-New York Metro Office. Opened in 1968, Metropolitan is a laundry equipment distributor serving laundromats, on-premises laundries, and multi-housing customers in the greater New York area with premium Alliance brands including Speed Queen, UniMac and Huebsch.
“As a family-owned business from its start in 1968, Metropolitan has not wavered in its commitment to always doing the right thing for the customer,” said Mike Hand, vice president, North America Commercial Central and East, Alliance Laundry Systems. “We are honored to carry on the legacy created by the Katzman family.”
Fincantieri Marine Group names new CEO
Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG), the U.S. subsidiary of Fincantieri, appointed George Moutafis as chief executive officer. Moutafis brings more than 25 years of executive experience in strategic planning, program management and industrial restructuring, having held leadership roles in major defense and manufacturing organizations — most recently, chief operating officer and general manager of Beretta USA Corp. He also has previous experience with FMG.
Fincantieri has been present in the United States for more than 15 years, with a footprint that includes four shipyards and a workforce of approximately 3,000. Over this period, the group has invested more than $800 million in its U.S. shipbuilding operations, of which over half was specifically allocated to upgrading and expanding the Marinette yard in Wisconsin.
Winsert acquires Indiana firm
Marinette-based Winsert, an advanced manufacturer of specialty alloys, has acquired Mack Tool & Engineering, an expert in precision machining headquartered in South Bend, Indiana. Officials say the merger brings together strengths in engineering, manufacturing, alloy development, on‑time delivery and quality standards that will benefit both companies’ customers and employees.
“We are excited to join forces with Winsert; this partnership will allow us to leverage Winsert’s global reach and proven quality processes to better serve our customers,” said Mack President Paul Hartz. “Additionally, Mack will have the opportunity to expand into new markets where Winsert has a respected track record.”
“This acquisition is a significant step forward in our strategy to expand capabilities and strengthen our presence in the aerospace market,” said Winsert President Mark Coduti. “Mack’s expertise in their field is a game changer for us. Not only does Winsert grow in aerospace and medical, but Winsert’s existing customers will have the benefit of more complex components with the knowledge that they will be delivered on time and to the highest quality.”
Bel Group expands in Little Chute
Paris-based global dairy manufacturer Bel Group announced plans to invest $10 million to launch a new production line at its Kaukauna Cheese facility in Little Chute. The expansion will also include hiring 50 people. Bel Group produces Laughing Cow, Kaukauna, Merkts, Baby Bel, Go Go Squeeze and other brands in Little Chute. The facility has operated since the 1970s and in 1996 was acquired by Bel Group.
“At this important time, Bel is growing its market share with its portion-sized products. Bel is innovating its portions to meet nutritional needs for the U.S. diet in support of healthier snacking habits,” said Bel Group CEO Cécile Béliot.
New Generac plant in Beaver Dam expected to spur growth in Oshkosh
A new Generac manufacturing facility in Beaver Dam is expected to unlock growth at the company’s Oshkosh plant. The 345,000-square-foot plant located within the Highway 151 Business Park currently employs 130 but is expected to jump to 320 by the end of 2025. The building can hold up to 250 employees per shift. The plant houses five production lines.
By consolidating the production of units previously outsourced to Mexico — including units ranging from 48KW to 1MW — Beaver Dam unlocks growth at other Generac facilities. This includes its plant in Oshkosh, which can now focus on larger megawatt units to serve the growing data center market, and its Eagle plant, which is expanding fabrication capabilities.
Oshkosh Corp faces price fixing lawsuit
A class action lawsuit accuses Oshkosh Corporation and two other manufacturers of engaging in price fixing the cost of fire trucks. The city of La Crosse claims the companies as well as the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association conspired to suppress the supply of fire trucks and raise their prices. The class action suit was filed in August against Oshkosh Corporation, Brookfield-based REV Group and South Dakota-based Rosenbauer America, in addition to naming the association. According to the civil complaint, fire truck prices have doubled in the last decade, exceeding the rate of inflation. The complaint also says Oshkosh’s 2021 and 2022 acquisitions of fire apparatus manufacturers means the company controls “a full quarter of the U.S. fire truck market.” REV Group and Oshkosh Corporation have both called the lawsuit meritless.
Robinson named a Fab 40 fabricator
Robinson Inc., a De Pere-based contract manufacturer, ranks seventh on the newly released Fab 40 list of North America’s top fabrication companies by The Fabricator magazine. The Fabricator identifies the 40 most successful metal fabrication operations on the basis of 2024 self-reported revenue. Robinson reported 2024 revenue of $250 million, with projected 2025 revenue of $285 million generated through its four locations in Brown and Manitowoc counties.
Robinson, which focuses its operations in metal solutions and power generation systems, is one of six Wisconsin-based companies on the Fab 40 list and the only contract manufacturer located in Northeast Wisconsin. Robinson has qualified for the Fab 40 list all 15 years since the list’s inception in 2010.
“We continue to expand our capabilities to better serve our customers,” says Jeff Kroening, director of sales for Robinson. “We have invested in additional space and equipment while growing our employee base to become a contract manufacturer of choice. In addition, we have narrowed our service offerings to elevate our production expertise to an elite level.”
AmeriLux, Brett Martin form joint partnership in De Pere facility
AmeriLux International, a distributor and fabricator of plastic sheets, and Northern Ireland plastics company Brett Martin announced the formation of American Polycarbonate Company (APC).
This joint venture will manufacture polycarbonate sheets at AmeriLux’s new 500,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center in De Pere starting early next year.
APC’s polycarbonate sheets will be used for construction, agriculture, horticulture, data processing and architecture, and feature advanced glazing for safety and energy efficiency.
“Simply put, we are chasing our potential,” said Kurt Voss, CEO of the AmeriLux Family of Companies. “APC will not only enhance our ability to supply polycarbonate sheets produced in the United States, but it also reinforces our commitment to building lasting relationships with customers, employees and the community. This is the definition of a win-win.”
Schneider Resources takes majority stake in Lindquist Machine
Lindquist Machine Corporation has announced a major capital investment and leadership transition. Schneider Resources Holding, LLC, a Green Bay-based family investment firm, has become the majority equity partner to drive long-term growth.
“This partnership allows us to accelerate our next phase of growth while staying true to what’s made us successful — solving complex manufacturing challenges that others can’t or won’t take on,” said current CEO Mark Kaiser, who will retain an equity position in the company and be a member of the board of directors.
Vice President of Manufacturing Josh Rolfing, Director of Project Leadership Mike Borsche, Director of Engineering Andy Vogt and Controller Scott LaFond will continue to be part of the senior leadership team. Bryan Peters has joined LMC as president and chief executive officer.
Operating from its Green Bay facility, LMC provides manufacturing services including machining, fabrication, welding and assembly. With SRH’s backing, the company plans to upgrade equipment, explore new automation technology and recruit skilled trades professionals.
State Economic Summit is Oct. 15-16
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s 2025 Wisconsin Economic Summit is set to bring together leaders from business, education, government and community organizations at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay Oct. 15-16. WEDC will convene more than 400 experts, economists, business and community leaders, as well as local and state officials on topics such as broadening risk perspectives, fostering a community mindset and building the workforce of the future. The summit is open to all. Visit wedc.org/summit for more details, updates and registration information.
WMC Business Day is Oct. 23
Northeast Wisconsin-based leadership coach and former Manufacturing First keynote speaker Steve Jones will be among the presenters at this year’s Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Business Day, which is set for Oct. 23 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison. The event (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) will include multiple presentations on hot business topics, including tariffs and trade, and conclude with the announcement of the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin. Registration is now open at www.wmc.org/events/businessdayinmadison/
Education excellence awards set for Oct. 28
The NEW Manufacturing Alliance will present its 2025 Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnerships Awards Oct. 28 at Resch Expo, on the eve of the 15th annual Manufacturing First Expo in the same venue. This year’s honorees represent Marinette High School, WTEA, CESA 6, Oshkosh Area School District, College of Menominee Nation/Clintonville High School, Eagle Performance Plastics, Amcor Flexibles, A to Z Machine Company, D&S Machine Services Inc., LaForce and Envision Greater Fond du Lac. Tickets are available for $70 each at newmfgalliance.org.
NEWMA Internship Draft Day is Nov. 5
The NEW Manufacturing Alliance is encouraging college students to attend the 11th annual Internship Draft Day at Lambeau Field on Nov. 5 from 3 – 5:45 p.m. The event is co‑sponsored by the Northeast Wisconsin Educational Resource Alliance (NEW ERA). College students from throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan will have the opportunity to interview with more than 50 NEWMA member companies that are offering more than 200 paid internships and co-ops. The event is free for NEWMA members. Contact Ann Franz, executive director at NEWMA, at (920) 606‑7691 or ann.franz@nwtc.edu for information about participating.
