Secretary Burke Makes Economic Development Announcements in Northwestern Wisconsin

Gov. Jim Doyle recently announced that three companies in northwestern Wisconsin will receive $2 million in Department of Commerce funding to expand their businesses. Commerce Secretary Mary P. Burke presented the awards on behalf of the Governor to Preco, Inc., Nor-Lake, Inc. and Thelen Graphics, Inc. at the Preco, Inc. headquarters in Somerset.

Commerce Secretary Mary P. Burke presents a ceremonial check to Christopher Chow, Executive Vice President, Preco, Inc.

Commerce Secretary Mary P. Burke presents a ceremonial check to Johnny Manche, controller, Nor-Lake, Inc.

Commerce Secretary Mary P. Burke presents a ceremonial check to Judy Johnson, Customer Service Represenative, Thelen Graphics

"At the heart of my Affordability Agenda is a commitment to creating good jobs and growing the economy of our state," said Governor Doyle. "We are doing this by advancing technology, providing training, promoting trade, and supporting new investment in Wisconsin. I am pleased that we can help Preco, Inc., Nor-Lake, Inc. and Thelen Graphics on projects that will create jobs and investment in St. Croix and Polk counties."

Preco, Inc., Somerset, St. Croix County - $250,000
Preco, Inc. has been allocated up to $250,000 in Technology Zone tax credits. Preco is an industrial laser system manufacturer and one of the largest laser processing contract services in the United States. Preco designs, manufactures, operates and services laser processing systems for businesses in the aerospace, automotive, furniture, electronics and packaging industries. It is investing over $2.6 million to purchase and install new equipment at its facility in Somerset. The project will create 35 jobs and retain 123 jobs.

Nor-Lake, Inc., Hudson, St. Croix County - $250,000
Nor-Lake, Inc. is a publicly owned company that designs and manufactures refrigeration products and services. Nor-Lake currently has two divisions - Foodservice and Scientific. Nor-Lake will invest $5,549,000 over the next three years to add new and updated equipment and new software purchases to further expand their market share of scientific division products. in Hudson. The company has committed to create 74 new positions, in addition to retaining the 296 positions in Hudson.

Thelen Graphics, Inc., Osceola, Polk County - $1,750,000
Thelen Graphics, Inc. has been allocated a CDBG-ED and IRB loan package totaling $1,750,000 for construction of a new 35,000 sq. ft. addition onto its existing manufacturing facility in Osceola and purchasing new equipment. Thelen Graphics, Inc. is a custom manufacturer specializing in silk-screen printing, die-cutting, laminating, plastic-forming, fabrication and assembly. The company has committed to creating 29 full-time positions in addition to the 33 already employed by the company in Osceola.

For additional information on any of the above grant/loan programs,visit commerce.wi.gov.