News Summary
At BizTimes Media’s annual Manufacturing Summit, key industry leaders discussed how Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector is adapting to economic challenges like tariffs and inflation. Major announcements include Milwaukee Tool’s plan for the largest manufacturing plant in the U.S., a $300 million industrial park by The Hollingsworth Companies, and Modine’s $38 million investment in Grenada County. Additionally, workforce development initiatives are being launched to provide training for 600 individuals, enhancing the industry’s skill pool for future growth.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector is adapting to economic challenges such as tariffs and inflation through new initiatives and significant investments, as discussed at BizTimes Media’s annual Manufacturing Summit. Key players in the industry shared insights into their operational adjustments and future growth strategies during the event.
Among the prominent announcements, Milwaukee Tool revealed plans to open the largest manufacturing plant in America by the fall of 2024. This ambitious project is part of a broader strategy, including a nearby $300 million industrial park being developed by The Hollingsworth Companies, which broke ground on April 29. This new facility will serve as a vital infrastructure for further industrial growth in the region.
In addition, Modine, a thermal management company, is investing over $38 million to upgrade its existing facility in Grenada County, which aims to manufacture data center cooling equipment. This investment is expected to create 450 jobs by 2028. Also contributing to the development is Entergy Mississippi, which completed a $33 million project supporting power growth in Grenada County, including the construction of a new substation and extensive transmission and distribution lines.
Strategic Developments in Grenada County
The infrastructure improvements, specifically the new Grenada Industrial Substation, aim to enhance grid reliability and foster economic growth in the area. The Hollingsworth Companies has also acquired 170 acres adjacent to the Milwaukee Tool plant to utilize Tax Increment Financing for attracting new businesses. The investment signals a strong commitment to industrial expansion in Grenada and positions it as an attractive location for future projects.
Local leaders, including the President of the Greater Grenada Partnership, view Milwaukee Tool’s expansion as an encouraging sign for other industries considering Grenada for their operations. The city’s advantageous location along Interstate-55 further enhances its appeal to potential investors, with businesses like Ice Industries also expanding its facility by $4 million in the area.
Workforce Development Initiatives
A significant component of the manufacturing leaders’ presentations focused on workforce development. A new program in Milwaukee County will provide up to 600 individuals with manufacturing skills training, funded by $1.3 million over four years, through partnerships with companies like Komatsu and Rockwell Automation. The training will encompass boot camps covering basic skills, artificial intelligence, and medical equipment manufacturing.
The first training session is scheduled to launch with AI classes offered by Gener8tor in the fall of 2024. The workforce development program aims to connect underemployed individuals with good job opportunities and includes initiatives targeting youth.
Furthermore, Employ Milwaukee is actively working to link these individuals to the manufacturing sector, addressing previous fiscal mismanagement while ensuring the program’s effectiveness. The training opportunities remain free for both employers and trainees, with regular hiring events planned to facilitate connections between job seekers and local manufacturers.
Long-term Industry Investment
On a larger scale, Rockwell Automation is committing $2 billion over the next five years to enhance U.S. manufacturing capacity and development. A recent report indicates that over 40% of manufacturers are considering implementing AI and automation technologies to bridge the labor gap. Without intervention, a significant labor shortage in U.S. manufacturing is projected by 2030.
Milwaukee Tool is expanding its presence in Wisconsin with a $42 million investment in Menomonee Falls, supported by up to $4.5 million in performance-based tax credits. This expansion effort is anticipated to generate approximately 300 new high-skill jobs in the region over the coming years and is celebrated for bolstering the local economy.
Wisconsin’s Economic Development Corporation has notably partnered with Milwaukee Tool, emphasizing its substantial contributions to job creation and economic resilience in the state. The Milwaukee 7 Regional Economic Partnership views these developments as a testament to the strength of the local talent pool and the potential for continued growth in the manufacturing sector.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Entergy Mississippi Completes Project
- JSON Line: Manufacturing Skills Shortage is the Focus of New Milwaukee Training
- Urban Milwaukee: Tariffs Will Hurt Business, Workers in Wisconsin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Manufacturing
- Google Search: Manufacturing in Wisconsin
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
