Gov. Doyle: Announces nearly $3 million in state funding for three companies

Contacts: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661

Projects Will Create 36 Jobs

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced $2.95 million in funding for three southern Wisconsin companies to invest in their operations and create 36 jobs in the state. The funding comes from the state’s economic development tax credits and the State Energy Program (SEP), which is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Commerce Secretary Aaron Olver made the announcement today on behalf of the Governor at an event with Standard Process, Inc. at the company’s Palmyra plant.

“We are moving Wisconsin forward in difficult national economic times by investing in our businesses and making them more efficient and competitive,” Governor Doyle said. “Through these projects, we are helping local companies expand and create good-paying jobs for local families.

Governor Doyle also announced state assistance for projects at United Ethanol LLC and Idle Free Systems, Inc.

Standard Process, Inc. of Palmyra will receive $250,000 in tax credits from the Economic Development Tax Credit Program. The company, which was founded in 1929, manufactures nutritional whole food supplements and herbal products sourced partly from the company’s organic farm. Due to rapid growth, the company is constructing and equipping an 11,000 square-foot addition to its main plant. It is also adding a storage shed, greenhouse and crop dryer. The project is expected to create 14 jobs and represents total investment of $10,350,000.

United Ethanol LLC, of Milton, is an ethanol plant that generates 50 million gallons of ethanol per year. The company, which was established in 2007, is receiving $2,250,000 in State Energy Program (SEP) funds to install an anaerobic digester at its Milton plant. The resulting methane will be used to reduce natural gas use at the plant by up to 25 percent. The project will create two jobs and represents total investment of $6,750,000.

Idle Free Systems, Inc. of Watertown, sells battery-powered, idle-elimination systems for over-the-road trucks and was established in 2006. The company’s products lower fuel costs and emissions while retaining power to a truck’s cab. Idle Free Systems, Inc. is receiving $450,000 in SEP funds to expand production capabilities at its Watertown plant. The project will create 20 jobs and represents total investment of $2,072,500.

Governor Doyle has led major efforts to help Wisconsin manufacturers improve energy efficiency and invest in clean energy technologies. Wisconsin is the only state directing 100 percent of its state energy funds from the Recovery Act – more than $55 million – to help state manufacturers bring down their costs through energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Through the State Energy Program, companies like Orion Energy Systems, McCain Foods, 5N Plus, TecStar Manufacturing, Helios USA, Nature Tech, ZBB Energy Corporation and Renewegy are already creating thousands of jobs through these investments.

These projects build 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.