Eaton Corp., a power management company based in Cleveland, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) today announced a new $54 million investment in Eaton’s Waukesha-based Cooper Power Systems business.
The project will include expanding one facility and renovating two others, all of which are located in the city of Waukesha. The WEDC is providing up to $1.36 million in tax credits for the project, which “could create as many as 200 jobs in the region over the next two years,” the press release said.
Roughly 1,100 people are currently employed at the three facilities being expanded and renovated.
“There’s no question that energy is a vital and growing component of Wisconsin’s economy, and power management is an important part of that sector,” said Gov. Scott Walker. “This project not only solidifies Eaton’s commitment to Wisconsin, but also is an indication that the company is continuing to look toward the future.”
Work on the expansion and renovations began in January and are expected to be completed in mid-2016. Eaton will expand its Badger Drive manufacturing plant and upgrade technology at its Power Systems plants at 2300 Badger Drive, 1900 E. North Street and 1319 Lincoln Avenue. The facilities produce electrical equipment including three-phase transformers, substation transformers and voltage regulators for the distribution of electrical power.
“Waukesha and the Milwaukee area offer a highly skilled workforce and play a vital role in the continued success of Eaton’s business,” said Clayton Tychkowsky, president of Eaton’s Cooper Power Systems Division. “This investment and expansion will provide new manufacturing technology and enhance our regional manufacturing capabilities to help us meet the increasing demand for our products by utility, commercial and industrial customers.”
“Eaton is an outstanding business not just in Waukesha but throughout Wisconsin,” said Reed Hall, secretary and CEO of the WEDC. “WEDC is pleased that it played a role in helping this project come to fruition.”
Eaton Corp. acquired Dublin, Ireland-based Cooper Industries, the parent company of Cooper Power Systems in Waukesha, in May, 2012.
In April, 2013, Eaton Corp. announced it would lay off more than 160 employees at its Pewaukee Cooper Power Systems Division facility as it outsourced production to Queretaro, Mexico, beginning in the first quarter of this year.
“Today’s announcement is not related to the Pewaukee reductions,” said Mark Horner, senior manager, global communications at Eaton. “Nevertheless, new positions in the region are posted at the Pewaukee facility first, giving employees there the first opportunity to apply. We’ve already successfully transitioned some affected employees into other positions in the region and plan to continue our efforts to do so.”
