Contacts:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Anne Lupardus, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Project Expected to Create 200 Jobs
Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Menard, Inc. will construct a new corporate headquarters for its Midwest Manufacturing Division and develop a new data center in Eau Claire. The project is expected to create up to 200 positions.
“We’re working hard through Grow Wisconsin not only to not only attract new businesses investment to Wisconsin, but also help those companies that are here upgrade and expand,” Governor Doyle said. “I am pleased to help one of the nation’s top home improvement companies build on its roots in Wisconsin by constructing a new corporate headquarters in Eau Claire.”
Governor Doyle provided an incentive package for Menard, Inc. totaling $4.2 million that will assist the company with the expansion through capital investment and roadway improvements. The incentive package includes $1.5 million in income tax credits and a $1.5 million loan from the Department of Commerce, and a $1.2 million Transportation Economic Assistance grant from the Department of Transportation to cover necessary road improvements.
“No matter how many new stores we build elsewhere, or how many facilities we put up in other areas, I can’t help but feel the greatest excitement at being able to create more jobs and more growth right here in Eau Claire,” John Menard, president and founder of Menard, Inc. said.
Menard, Inc. began in Eau Claire in early 1958 when John Menard began constructing inexpensive steel clad buildings for agricultural uses. Today Menards is the nation’s third largest home-improvement retailer with 210 stores throughout the Midwest region. Menard, Inc. also owns Midwest Manufacturing which operates a number of manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.
