WisBusiness: Sargento undertaking big Wisconsin expansion

By Brian E. Clark
WisBusiness.com

Aided by more than $4 million in state tax credits and grants, Sargento Foods is in the midst of a $50 million expansion that officials said should add 500 jobs during the next five years to plants in Hilbert, Kiel and Plymouth.

The growth will increase the number of Sargento employees by 45 percent. The figure now stands at 1,140 full-time workers.

Lou Gentine, chairman and CEO of Sargento, said he wanted to expand the company in the Badger State.

“My father started Sargento in Wisconsin over 50 years ago. Since then, we have continually chosen to further invest in our cheese businesses here due to Wisconsin’s great employee base, the critical role Wisconsin plays in the global dairy industry and the support made available to Wisconsin businesses for continued investment,” he said.

Gov. Jim Doyle said Sargento, a family owned company, will receive $3 million in Enterprise Development Zone tax credits and $1.25 million in additional state assistance to finance the plant expansions.

“One of my top priorities is to help move industries, companies and communities forward, and create good-paying jobs for our citizens,” Doyle said.

“I’m pleased that Sargento has chosen to again expand in Wisconsin, and that we could assist the company in bringing new jobs to Sheboygan County and retaining jobs statewide.”

Barbara Gannon, a spokeswoman for Sargento, said the company hopes to break ground today for the Hilbert if the weather cooperates. She said the expansion there should add about 160 jobs.

She said work at the Plymouth facility is nearly done and should produce 240 new jobs. The Kiel project has begun and should be finished this summer, resulting in 100 new jobs.

Gannon said the state aid was important in making the decision to expand.

“It’s always significant when you are doing something like a $50 million expansion,” she said.

“It’s also important to know that you have the support of the cities and villages where you want to grow, as well as the state.

“Sometimes you hear of companies leaving because they don’t have that backing. But we think the business climate here in Wisconsin is good.”

Sargento, founded in Plymouth in 1953, is a family owned company. It is a leading manufacturer, packager and marketer of natural shredded, slice and snack cheeses, cheese appetizers, ingredients and sauces.

Sargento has three business divisions: Consumer Products, Food Service and Food Ingredients.

For more information on Wisconsin Department of Commerce programs and services, contact the area development manager at www.commerce.wi.gov/BD/BD-Fax-0901.html.