Dept. of Commerce: Gov. Doyle Announces Funding for Heartland EPS, INC.

Contact:
Tony Hozeny, 608/267-9661

MADISON – Gov. Jim Doyle announced today that Heartland EPS, Inc., Fond du
Lac, Fond du Lac County, will receive $120,000 in Technology Zone tax
credits. The NEWREP Technology Zone includes the counties of Fond du Lac,
Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Calumet, Winnebago, Waushara, Waupaca, Outagamie,
Brown, Kewaunee, Door, Shawano, Menominee, Oconto, Marinette and Florence.

“My Grow Wisconsin initiative emphasizes the key role of technology
development in the continued economic growth of our state,” Gov. Doyle said.
“I am pleased to provide funding to Heartland EPS, Inc. My administration is
committed to supporting projects that will generate additional high-paying
jobs needed for Wisconsin’s strong future.”

“We support promoting regional cooperation and developing a
technology base,” said Department of Commerce (Commerce) Secretary Cory L.
Nettles. “With today’s award, Heartland EPS, Inc. will be able to continue
to diversify its business and move forward in its investment in high-tech
equipment.”

“We’re very pleased that Heartland EPS, Inc. is receiving assistance
in its continuing transformation to high-tech manufacturing,” said John
Ramer, President of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corp. and
NEWREP chair. “As a key developer of, and supplier to, the most advanced
“lost foam” processes in the world, it can have a real impact in making
Wisconsin and U.S. manufacturing the best in the world.”

Heartland EPS, Inc., manufacturer of expanded polystyrene
insulation, is expanding its existing operations by purchasing
high-technology robotics and other automated production equipment. The
company is investing over $1.4 million in order to pursue the new high
technology market of custom molding, including “lost foam” which is used
extensively by major manufacturers in the northeast region as well as
servicing the global market. The project will retain 93 positions. It will
create seven positions at an average wage of $13.23/hour.

The NEWREP Technology Zone provides incentives for high-tech growth
in manufacturing, papermaking and printing, agriculture and food processing,
information technology and plastics clusters, among others. For more
information about the Technology Zone program, contact Amy Cumblad,
Commerce, at (608) 266-2688.