Menasha Packaging to expand in Neenah
Menasha Packaging announced a $50 million expansion at its preprinted graphic packaging facility in Neenah that will create 25 to 50 jobs. The company plans to add a new eight-color plus varnish press and automation tools that will provide a wide range of run quantities, as well as quick changeovers. The investments will double Menasha’s North American preprint capacity and complement recent investments in Menasha’s graphic packaging technology such as digital flexo (short and long run), digital offset, litho laminate, and direct print for both corrugated and folding carton. Menasha’s preprint will be produced in Neenah and converted across the company’s North American network; final graphic packaging solutions will ship to all 50 states, Canada and Mexico.
“These investments are going to drive improvements in both quality and safety, while delivering incremental capacity and significant reductions in make ready and set up times,” said Jeff Krepline, Menasha’s executive vice president. “This preprint hub will support a North American corrugated and pack out network that not only converts the preprint into graphic packaging boxes, but also fulfills a significant portion of the boxes with customer product when required.”
KI receives Wisconsin 75 Distinguished Performer Award
Green Bay-based KI has been honored with the 2024 Wisconsin 75 Distinguished Performer Award in the sustainability category. The Wisconsin 75 program, presented by Deloitte, celebrates the largest privately held businesses headquartered in Wisconsin and the impact they have on the state’s economy and communities. Officials say KI’s recognition in the sustainability category underscores the company’s leadership in environmental stewardship and its dedication to fostering a sustainable future.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Tom Abrahamson, VP of manufacturing operations at KI. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employee-owners, who are deeply committed to sustainability. Our unique employee-owned culture drives us to take pride not just in what we make, but in how we make it. We believe in supporting local manufacturing to ensure future generations have a healthy planet to thrive on.”
Oshkosh Defense lands $1.5B contract for U.S. Army vehicles
Oshkosh Defense has been awarded a five-year, $1.54 billion contract from the U.S. Army to produce heavy tactical vehicles for the military branch. To date, Oshkosh has produced more than 71,000 modernized heavy tactical vehicles and trailers for the U.S. military and its allied nations.
“We are extremely honored that the U.S. Army continues to invest in the proven Oshkosh Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV),” said Pat Williams, chief programs officer at Oshkosh Defense. “Our continued collaboration with the Army ensures that we deliver exceptional, high‑performance vehicles with the latest technologies and active safety features.”
Grande Cheese expands in Chilton
Italian style cheese/specialty whey and lactose products manufacturer Grande Cheese broke ground this summer on a 60,000-square-foot expansion of its plant in Chilton. In addition to the new construction, Grande will renovate 20,000 square feet. Construction is expected to be complete in mid 2026.
The plant will become Grande’s third largest, producing primarily mozzarella cheese and employing 75 people. Grande bought the plant from Foremost Farms in 2023 and also has facilities in Brownsville, Fond du Lac, Friendship, Juda, Lomira, Rubicon and Wyocena.
Michigan-based lumber company closes facilities in Northeast Wisconsin
Besse Forest Products Group has closed three Wisconsin facilities, including one in Mattoon and another in Goodman, laying off 136 people. In August letters to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Besse said it would close facilities in Goodman, Mattoon and Rice Lake. The Mattoon facility, located in Shawano County, employed 42 workers.
The letters said, “We are sorry we were not able to give you more notice. However, due to an unprecedented industry downturn, it has recently become clear to the company that the revenues of the company will no longer support its operations. Therefore, we are providing as much notice of the closing as is practicable in the circumstances, pursuant to federal and state WARN laws.”
Manitowoc firm settles pollution lawsuit
In July, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced a settlement with Kerry Inc. requiring it to pay $85,000 to resolve violations of Wisconsin’s air laws related to its operation of a liquid smoke manufacturing facility in Manitowoc.
The state alleged that Kerry Inc. violated multiple requirements of its air operation permit, including that Kerry Inc. did not observe the opacity of its air emissions, did not test the carbon monoxide concentration in its air emissions, and did not operate air pollution control equipment within the parameters required by the permit. Kerry Inc. also did not timely report these violations to the Department of Natural Resources, as required by the terms of its permit.
St. Norbert College’s CEO Breakfast series returns Sept. 24
St. Norbert College’s CEO Breakfast Series is a 26-year tradition returning this fall. The series, which is presented by the college’s Donald J. Schneider School of Business & Economics, will be hosted at several new venues around the region. Each event starts at 7:30 a.m. This year’s speakers will include:
- Sept. 24: Brian Krenke, president and CEO, KI
- Oct. 23: Laurie Butz, president and CEO, Capital Credit Union
- Nov. 20: Jeff Lonigro, president and CEO, Bemis Manufacturing Company
- Dec. 18: Ashwani Bhatia, chief executive officer and chief medical officer, BayCare Clinic, LLP
- Jan. 30: Abe Weber, airport director, Appleton International Airport
- March 12: Rob Zerjav, president/CEO/managing partner, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- May 22: Rashad Cobb, chief operating officer, Brown County United Way
Individual sessions are $60. Register for the entire seven-session series for a 25% savings. Register now at schneiderschool.snc.edu/newsandevents/ceobreakfast
Time to get real Oct. 1
The NEW Manufacturing Alliance’s premiere for this year’s Get Real Math and Get Real Science videos will be held Oct. 1 at the Meyer Theatre in Green Bay. The free event offers a first look at the videos, including debut videos showcasing careers and products in Oconto and Shawano counties, plus an opportunity to network with local companies. Schools and manufacturers will also have the opportunity to win prizes at the event. Register for free tickets at NEWMAPremiere2024.eventbrite.com
Get an early look at the Wisconsin Manufacturing Report Oct. 3
The Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity will come to Green Bay to host a readout of its fourth annual Wisconsin Manufacturing Report (WMR) Oct. 3. The 2024 WMR will be a comprehensive manufacturing report based on more than 400 interviews and five focus groups conducted across the state. The Green Bay readout event is the second of three WCMP is hosting (Oct. 2, Brookfield; Oct. 23, UW-Stout, Menomonie) and will be held at TitletownTech, 1025 Lombardi Ave., starting at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 3. Registration is available online at wicmp.org/wmr-readout-green-bay
Wisconsin Innovation Awards finalists announced
Two New North-based manufacturing startups are among the 31 finalists for the 2024 Wisconsin Innovation Awards, recognizing the state’s most innovative and forward‑thinking companies and individuals. Berlin‑based Hovertoon is a maker of hybrid hovercraft and pontoon boats that can maneuver in weed infested lakes or sandbar riddled rivers; Oshkosh-based InMEDBio LLC is a biotechnology company that is developing a safe, cost-effective and comprehensive wound care dressing to help prevent infections and accelerate the healing of chronic wounds.
Winners will be announced at an event Oct. 8 in Madison. Further details on the program and tickets to the event are available at wisconsininnovationawards.com
WMC Business Day is Oct. 17
Menasha Corporation President and CEO Chris Drees will be among the featured speakers at Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce’s annual Business Day event, Oct. 17 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison. The annual event will convene leaders to discuss economic, political and community issues vital to Wisconsin’s business community as well as unveil this year’s “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin.” Learn more at wmc.org/events/businessdayinmadison
K-12 Partnership Awards to be presented on Manufacturing First Eve
The NEW Manufacturing Alliance’s 13th annual Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnerships Awards will be presented Oct. 29 at Resch Expo in Green Bay. The awards celebrate regional industry and education partnerships. Gulfstream, Pierce Manufacturing, The Village Companies, Sargento and Therma‑Tron‑X are among the New North manufacturers being honored at this year’s event. Tickets are available online at newmfgalliance.org
Internship Draft Day is Nov. 6
Internship Draft Day is an event designed to connect companies with college student talent for paid internships, part-time jobs and apprenticeships that is coordinated annually by Northeast Wisconsin Educational Resource Alliance (NEW ERA) and the NEW Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA). On Nov. 6 at Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packers CEO Mark Murphy will present the awards, which include scholarships. Companies interested in sponsoring the event may contact Ann Franz, executive director of NEWMA, at ann.franz@nwtc.edu. Student registration opens Sept. 15 at internshipdraftday.com
Discover Wisconsin’s Best Place to Work in Manufacturing Nov. 13
Insight Publications will reveal the state’s best manufacturing workplace at a special event Nov. 13 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Lambeau Field, sponsored by Werner Electric Supply. Ten companies from across the Badger State rose to the top of a recent study conducted by the independent firm Workforce Research Group, and all 10 will be recognized at the event, with the top three performers slated to be revealed live on stage. Registration to attend this first‑ever celebration is open now through Oct. 31 at insightonbusiness.com/bptw
