Manufacturing

The Women in Manufacturing Wisconsin Chapter is scheduled to host Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch for a luncheon on Monday, Jan. 26. WiM members and non-members are invited, and women from all levels of the manufacturing workforce are encouraged to attend.

Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. is introducing several new innovations today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, including a battery system that powers Advanced Start-Stop vehicles and seating solutions that enhance safety, comfort and storage.

Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Thermoset Molding Inc. has acquired Rose Polymer Composites LLC, also of Milwaukee. Both are contract molding companies, with WTM focusing on electrical/power transmission and commercial construction and Rose Polymer specializing in oil/gas and mass transit.

Alliant Energy is looking for a manufacturer that would be interested in buying a soon-to-be former power plant site in southwest Wisconsin.

Muskego-based Inpro Corp. has acquired Buffalo, N.Y.-based Fireline 520 LLC, one of the nation's premier designers and manufacturers of fire barriers for expansion joints.

ABC Supply Co., Inc., a Beloit-based building products distributor, has acquired the assets of Marcy, N.Y.-based Wameling Drywall Corp., which does business as Gilbert Supply Company.

Milwaukee-based Douglas Dynamics Inc. announced that it has completed the acquisition of Henderson Products Inc. of Manchester, Iowa, for approximately $95 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments. The signing of the definitive purchase agreement for the acquisition was previously announced in late November.

Milwaukee-based Plant Equipment Group is under agreement to be sold to Global Equipment Company Inc. for $25 million in cash.

BizTimes Media LLC will host the annual Northern Trust Economic Trends Breakfast on Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.

Since 2010, the U.S. manufacturing industry has experienced significant growth—often referred to as the manufacturing renaissance—due to a combination of organic growth, foreign direct investment and reshoring by companies like Apple, Caterpillar and Whirlpool returning their operations to the United States. According to a recent report from the Federal Reserve, the United States showed this type of manufacturing growth across the economy over the last few months. As manufacturers reshore, America is on its way to gaining back millions of jobs lost in the decade leading up to the global economic recession. However, to ensure continued growth, our government must address the concerns of U.S. manufacturers.