Parisippany, N.J.-based DRS Technologies Inc. recently announced a $10.8 million remodeling project of its 610,000-square-foot facility at 4265 N. 30th St., in Milwaukee’s central city. The project will upgrade to existing infrastructure, install energy-efficient systems, and improve employee space, company officials said. DRS is a designer, manufacturer and supplier of products, systems and services to all branches of the U.S. Military.
The company currently employs more than 300 full-time employees at its Milwaukee power and control technologies unit. There are no hiring plans now, but the company hopes its upgrades will allow for future expansion and create an environment to attract and retain new workers, a DRS spokesperson said. DRS’ renovations in Milwaukee are being made because the company received several new U.S. Navy contracts worth a combined $21 million in August, 2006. The contracts, to design and produce power and control equipment for next-generation Destroyers, aircraft carriers, submarines and other ships. Work on the contracts is expected to last through September, 2011.
The city of Milwaukee is providing a $1.5 million forgivable loan and $3 million in tax credits for the remodeling project. "What I’m interested in are jobs, jobs, jobs," said Mayor Tom Barrett. "I recognize, in a national economy, that DRS could have picked anywhere to make this investment, but you chose Milwaukee and that means a lot to me as mayor and I know it means a lot to this surrounding community." The project has been in the planning stages for more then six years, said Sally Wallace, vice president and general manager for DRS Power and Control Technologies. "A vision was created a number of years ago and that vision becomes a reality today," she said. "We are ready to update our infrastructure, create an anchor for this community and create an enhanced work environment that allows us to grow as a company."
