Industries

Wisconsin has secured $100 million in foreign direct investment from Chinese private equity firm PiYi Investment Management Co. Ltd.

Debra Usinger, a passionate supporter of Milwaukee's downtown who dedicated her time and talents to numerous groups, was posthumously recognized by the Common Council's Community and Economic Development Committee.
Mayor Tom Barrett participated in the presentation.

A.O. Smith Corp., a Milwaukee-based water technology company, announced second quarter net earnings of $35.0 million, or 75 cents per share, up from $28.6 million, or 62 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Kenosha-based Snap-on Inc. reported second quarter net earnings of $76.4 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, up from $66.9 million, or $1.14 per share, excluding an $18.0 million arbitration gain a year ago.

Artaflex Inc. of Ontario, Canada, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Menomonee Falls-based MTI International Inc.

Erik Buell Racing LLC of East Troy will receive $20 million in new investments that will help the company expand production of EBR brand sport motorcycles and create about 200 new jobs.

Milwaukee-based Badger Meter Inc. reported second quarter net earnings of $7.4 million, down from $7.8 million a year ago.

Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. reported fiscal third quarter net income of $417 million, up 17 percent over last year.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has postponed indefinitely a vote scheduled for July 27 that would have decided whether Palermo Villa Inc. employees would form a union.