Sept. 7, 2017 (Fennimore, WI) – Spectrum Brands, Inc.’s Rayovac battery division today joined local and state officials, along with representatives from Walmart, to celebrate 285 local jobs and manufacturing in Fennimore, WI. The event recognized Walmart’s commitment to buy an additional $250 billion in products that support American jobs by 2023.
“Our customers have told us that second to price, where products are made influences their purchase decisions,” said Cindi Marsiglio, vice president, U.S. manufacturing, Walmart. “We are focused on buying great quality products that create jobs in communities across the U.S. It makes sense for our customers, our communities and our company.”
Based on data from Boston Consulting Group, an estimated 1 million new U.S. jobs will be created through Walmart’s initiative, including direct manufacturing job growth of approximately 250,000, and indirect job growth of approximately 750,000 in the support and service sectors. The economic impact of the Rayovac plant in Fennimore, for example, goes beyond the direct employee numbers. With a strategy of increasing local suppliers, the division is indirectly responsible for more than 3,000 U.S. based jobs.
“As an American manufacturer, we’re thrilled to be able to work with Walmart in their effort to buy American-made goods and create jobs here in the U.S.,” said Steve Fraundorfer, president of global batteries and appliances for Spectrum Brands. “To keep more than 4,600 Walmart stores stocked with RAYOVACÒbatteries requires a consistent and well-trained workforce which is why advanced-manufacturing education is so important to us.”
At the Fennimore event, Spectrum Brands formalized its support of education at all levels by announcing its CORE initiative (Creating Opportunities for Readiness through Education). The company partners with Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Engineering programs and local high schools to introduce students and young professionals to advanced-manufacturing careers. The company offers students internships on safety, mechanical and electrical engineering, provides scholarships and assists in curriculum development.
In addition to the Fennimore plant, the Rayovac division operates plants in Portage, WI and Dixon, IL. Spectrum Brands employs more than 4,700 people in the U.S. and has U.S. manufacturing operations in 14 other states.
“By supporting U.S. manufacturing, innovation and economic growth we are given the foundation to thrive,” said State Representative Travis Tranel. “Through its leadership, Walmart, in partnership with outstanding Wisconsin companies like Rayovac, will help to strengthen our local manufacturing capabilities. Southwest Wisconsin is home to some of the hardest working employees in the state.”
