Elkhorn-based Applied Material Solutions Inc. has purchased a new facility in Burlington and plans to hire 147 employees there.
The company, which manufactures anti-foam and defoaming products, looked at facilities in northern Illinois, but ultimately chose a 124,000-square-foot facility at 1956 S. Pine St. in Burlington, where it is investing almost $3.7 million in renovations.
AMS previously operated as Power Works Inc., which made legacy products from AMS owner Jim Athans’ company, lubricant and grease manufacturer Chemtool Inc. Chemtool had 500 employees at locations across the globe when it was acquired by Lubrizol/Berkshire Hathaway in September 2013.
Using the returns from the sale, Athans formed AMS in early 2015 through the acquisition of Bristol-based Trans-Chemco Inc. and Mundelein, Ill.-based Performance Process Inc., along with other technologies. AMS currently has its headquarters in Elkhorn and a manufacturing plant in Bristol. The company plans to retain those facilities and its existing employees at their respective workplaces. As of the end of 2015, AMS had eight employees in Bristol and 15 in Elkhorn.
At its June 7 meeting, the Burlington Common Council will consider a utility easement agreement with AMS.
“Our ownership group brings over 130 years combined experience in industrial and chemical technologies and manufacturing,” Athans said. “We appreciate the support the City of Burlington, the Racine County Economic Development Corp. and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. provided in securing the location in Burlington. We look forward to growing AMS and our product lines in Burlington.”
“We are pleased AMS’s owners have chosen to locate in Burlington,” said Burlington Mayor Jeannie Hefty. “The company’s investment in revitalizing an underutilized facility in our community and bringing valuable new job opportunities for area residents is within our vision for the city’s development plans.”
“AMS joins a robust industrial community in western Racine County that includes companies such as Nestle, Echo Lake Foods, Lavelle Industries and many others,” said Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave. “Racine County’s strategic location in the Chicago-Milwaukee Corridor, along with the ability to access a strong network of suppliers and customers, a high-quality transportation system and a productive labor force, continues to make Racine County an attractive location for growing businesses.”
