Cree’s Ruud Lighting to expand in Sturtevant

Cree’s Ruud Lighting subsidiary in Sturtevant announced it will expand and add up to 469 new full-time jobs.
Cree is a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting and semiconductor solutions for wireless and power applications. Ruud Lighting was one of the first lighting companies in the world to embrace LED technology.
“Cree’s recent acquisition of Ruud Lighting and its BetaLED products brought together two leading LED lighting companies under one roof,” said Chuck Swoboda, chairman and CEO of Cree. “Last month this facility shipped its 500,000th LED luminaire—further evidence of the market demand for the latest LED technology and a need to expand our facilities to maintain our leadership of the LED lighting revolution.”
“This is exciting news for the lighting industry and Racine County,” said Christopher Ruud, president of Cree’s Ruud Lighting subsidiary. “Beyond Cree’s dedication to advancing LED lighting technology, it’s a long-term investment in the people of Racine County and the community’s manufacturing base.”
The company will be eligible for an allocation of up to $3.275 million in Job Tax Credits and $725,000 Economic Development Tax Credits administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. The company plans to invest $24.5 million in the expansion project.
Gov. Scott Walker attended the announcement of the expansion of the plant.
“The expansion of Cree’s Ruud Lighting site is great news for the company and the community, and will benefit the entire state’s economy,” Walker said.  “Our top priority is helping the private sector create jobs for Wisconsin families. I’m grateful that Cree’s Ruud Lighting is growing in Wisconsin.”