The OEM Industries Division of FNA Group Inc., which manufactures pressure washers for home and industrial markets, is establishing a new manufacturing, distribution and R&D facility in Kenosha County—a $3 million project expected to create more than 100 new jobs.
The Illinois-based company will occupy a 176,000-square-foot industrial facility in the LakeView Corporate Park in Pleasant Prairie that will enable it to manufacture new products, accommodate demand for existing products, and establish an R&D/engineering/product development center. The company is expected to begin operations in January.
The FNA Group will relocate part of its OEM Industries Division operations, which manufactures hoses and distributes pumps and replacement parts, from an existing facility in Arkansas to Pleasant Prairie. The company selected Wisconsin after taking part in a site selection process that involved numerous states.
The company plans to create more than 100 full-time jobs in early 2015 in addition to providing seasonal employment opportunities. Additional job creation is expected in the future based on demand for the company’s products.
“After a multi-state search for a site for its new facility, FNA’s decision to locate its newest facility in Wisconsin speaks volumes about the state’s pro-business climate and outstanding workforce,” said Governor Scott Walker. “This is yet another indication of the confidence that job creators have in the direction in which the state is headed.”
“We are excited for the opportunity to expand the operations of our OEM Industries Division to accommodate continued growth and demand within our customer base for high-pressure cleaning solutions, OEM parts, and high-pressure hoses,” said Gus Alexander, founder, CEO and president of FNA Group. “Likewise, this allows us to free up manufacturing space we desperately need in our existing manufacturing facility in Arkansas. Now we’ll be able to accommodate our immediate and growing demand for more and better high pressure power washers for our consumer and industrial customers.”
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the company’s efforts by authorizing up to $700,000 in state tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of credits awarded will be contingent upon the number of jobs created.
The state Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and regional workforce partners also have offered to assist the FNA Group with talent recruitment assistance, such as workforce training and conducting hiring events. Local partners include Gateway Technical College, Kenosha County Job Center and Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA).
“This project is a great example of the importance of developing strong partnerships when it comes to economic development,” said Reed Hall, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development organization. “The state, the county, the technical college and other partners are working together to ensure that FNA has a long and successful future in Wisconsin.”
DWD Secretary Reggie Newson added: "Governor Walker has prioritized talent development to help employers and workers succeed in Wisconsin, and we are pleased the FNA Group recognizes the world-class talent we offer companies looking to locate or expand here. From recruitment assistance to customized training programs, Wisconsin stands ready to help employers find the skilled workers they need when they need them."
“Kenosha County is establishing itself as a premier place to do business in the Midwest,” said Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser. “We have a strong team that works together with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Governor Walker and his administration to create a climate which businesses are relocating to and expanding in -- and they are thriving. We welcome FNA to Kenosha County and look forward to partnering with them to build a prosperous and successful future here.”
Added Pleasant Prairie Village President John Steinbrink: "The Village of Pleasant Prairie has a great deal of respect for the businesses that are located in our community. With each new family oriented employer that locates here, our region's economic stability and quality of life are enhanced. We are incredibly pleased to welcome the FNA Group. We thank them for choosing Pleasant Prairie, and we're excited for them to become part of our business community."
KABA is providing the company with a $1 million loan funded through a combination of revolving loan funds, including one that originated with a contribution from Pleasant Prairie’s Tax Incremental Finance District #2.
Headquartered in Elk Grove Village, IL, the FNA Group is a vertically integrated manufacturer of brand name and private label electric and gas pressure washers, pumps, hoses and replacement parts. The company sells worldwide to homeowners, contractors and industrial customers through retailers and directly via the Internet. Its major house brands include SIMPSON® and DELCO®. The company also controls the brand names POWERWASHER®, TASKMASTER® and MONSTERHOSE®, and supplies products under other well-known brands such as DeWALT.
FNA’s brands are sold in major home-improvement retail chains across North America, including The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, Tractor Supply and Sam’s Club.
About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.
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