Contacts: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Waukesha Electric Systems, Inc. will receive $4 million in tax credits from the Department of Commerce for an expansion project that will create 250 jobs in Waukesha County over the next three years.
“My number one priority this year is helping our businesses create jobs and giving our workers the opportunities to get those jobs,” Governor Doyle said. “I’m pleased that we could provide this assistance to Waukesha Electric Systems to help the company grow and provide new jobs for families in Waukesha County.”
Established in 1970, Waukesha Electric is one of the largest manufacturers of power transformers in the United States. It also provides related components, transformer maintenance, and service. The company currently employs 520 workers at its Waukesha manufacturing facility. It is expanding and equipping that facility at a cost of approximately $70 million. The expansion will increase the size of the facility by approximately 50 percent and extend the company’s ability to manufacture large, high-voltage power transformers that are utilized by electric utilities, independent power producers, and independent transmission operators.
The project is expected to create 250 jobs over the next three years.
This project builds on Governor Doyle’s efforts to position Wisconsin for future growth. Since taking office in 2003, Governor Doyle has worked aggressively to create and retain jobs in Wisconsin. Governor Doyle’s budget last year created some of the strongest economic development tools in the nation to help businesses create jobs and get people back to work. Wisconsin now has powerful new tax credits to help manufacturers create and retain jobs, new tools to help investors create start-ups, and new incentives to spur research and development. Governor Doyle’s efforts have helped Wisconsin companies expand and create thousands of new jobs in communities throughout the state.
Last week, Governor Doyle signed the CORE Jobs Act to build on the Governor’s Accelerate Wisconsin plan by creating and expanding a number of tax credit programs for angel and venture capital investments. The bill also strengthens successful programs for manufacturing, research and development, and worker training. In addition, the Governor signed two bills to expand the successful Enterprise Zone program to help create and retain jobs.
The Governor has also worked to improve Wisconsin’s tax ranking and business climate. Today, Wisconsin ranks 30th in business taxes – well below the national average.
