Economic Development

Glendale-based global diversified industrial company Johnson Controls Inc. announced that has formally launched Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. It is a joint venture between Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Huayu Automotive Systems Co. Ltd. (HASCO), which is the component group of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) and Johnson Controls.

Milwaukee-based Park Place Capital Management Inc. has announced two of its professionals have earned 2015 Five Star Wealth Manager Awards.

Wauwatosa-based WaterStone Bank has created a new program especially for active duty service members, military veterans and Reserve and National Guard service members.

In their Mid-Year Update, Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. chief investment strategist Bruce Bittles and investment strategist William Delwiche describe the current economic environment as neutral, but see the possibility of a shift toward bullish in the second half of the year.

Plymouth-based cheese producer Sargento Foods plans to invest $30 million in the expansion of its plant in Kiel and its technical center in Elkhart Lake.

The U.S. economy created 223,000 new jobs in June, adding to the mounting evidence pointing toward economic growth in the second half of the year.

Racine-based Twin Disc Inc.’s board of directors has elected Jeffrey Knutson as chief financial officer and treasurer.

Mark Behrens has been named chief financial officer and executive vice president of Johnson Financial Group and Johnson Bank, effective July 1. Behrens succeeds Judy Sutfin, who left the company this month after four years as CFO.

Associated Bank and the Brewers Community Foundation have announced they will donate $250 to Milwaukee-based nonprofit Housing Resources Inc. for every hit the Brewers get at home through the end of the season, up to $100,000.

Milwaukee-based Wangard Partners, Inc. has introduced a chief financial officer to its staff.