The OEM Industries Division of FNA Group Inc., which manufactures pressure washers for home and industrial markets, plans to establish a new manufacturing, distribution and research and development facility in Pleasant Prairie.
The $3 million project is expected to create more than 100 new jobs in Kenosha County.
The Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based company will occupy a 176,000-square-foot industrial facility in the LakeView Corporate Park in Pleasant Prairie that will enable it to manufacture new products, accommodate demand for existing products and establish an R&D/engineering/product development center. The company is expected to begin operations at the plant in January. The facility is being built by Milwaukee-based Zilber Ltd.
The FNA Group will relocate part of its OEM Industries Division operations, which manufactures hoses and distributes pumps and replacement parts, from an existing facility in Arkansas to Pleasant Prairie. The company selected Wisconsin after taking part in a site selection process that involved numerous states.
Additional job creation is expected in the future based on demand for the company’s products.
“We are excited for the opportunity to expand the operations of our OEM Industries Division to accommodate continued growth and demand within our customer base for high-pressure cleaning solutions, OEM parts, and high-pressure hoses,” said Gus Alexander, founder, chief executive officer and president of FNA Group. “Likewise, this allows us to free up manufacturing space we desperately need in our existing manufacturing facility in Arkansas. Now we’ll be able to accommodate our immediate and growing demand for more and better high pressure power washers for our consumer and industrial customers.”
“After a multi-state search for a site for its new facility, FNA’s decision to locate its newest facility in Wisconsin speaks volumes about the state’s pro-business climate and outstanding workforce,” said Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. “This is yet another indication of the confidence that job creators have in the direction in which the state is headed.”
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the company’s efforts by authorizing up to $700,000 in state tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of credits awarded will be contingent upon the number of jobs created.
The state Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and regional workforce partners also have offered to assist the FNA Group with talent recruitment assistance, such as workforce training and conducting hiring events. Local partners include Gateway Technical College, Kenosha County Job Center and Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA).
“This project is a great example of the importance of developing strong partnerships when it comes to economic development,” said Reed Hall, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development organization. “The state, the county, the technical college and other partners are working together to ensure that FNA has a long and successful future in Wisconsin.”
DWD Secretary Reggie Newson said, “Governor Walker has prioritized talent development to help employers and workers succeed in Wisconsin, and we are pleased the FNA Group recognizes the world-class talent we offer companies looking to locate or expand here. From recruitment assistance to customized training programs, Wisconsin stands ready to help employers find the skilled workers they need when they need them.”
“Kenosha County is establishing itself as a premier place to do business in the Midwest,” said Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser. “We have a strong team that works together with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Governor Walker and his administration to create a climate which businesses are relocating to and expanding in — and they are thriving. We welcome FNA to Kenosha County and look forward to partnering with them to build a prosperous and successful future here.”
Pleasant Prairie Village President John Steinbrink said, “The Village of Pleasant Prairie has a great deal of respect for the businesses that are located in our community. With each new family oriented employer that locates here, our region’s economic stability and quality of life are enhanced. We are incredibly pleased to welcome the FNA Group. We thank them for choosing Pleasant Prairie, and we’re excited for them to become part of our business community.”
KABA is providing the company with a $1 million loan funded through a combination of revolving loan funds, including one that originated with a contribution from Pleasant Prairie’s Tax Incremental Finance District #2.
