InSinkErator, a Racine-based manufacturer of food waste disposers, today announced a $65 million expansion plan that includes a new facility in Kenosha and an expansion of its existing facility in Racine.
The expansion is expected to create 165 new jobs for InSinkErator, which is a business of St. Louis-based Emerson.
InSinkErator will lease a 160,000-square-foot building in the Business Park of Kenosha on the city’s west side. The company also will invest $43.7 million to purchase new equipment and make renovations at its facility at 4700 21st St. in Racine.
“InSinkErator is proud to be part of both the Racine and Kenosha communities as we expand our presence and bring more jobs to southeastern Wisconsin,” said Tim Ferry, president of InSinkErator. “In the last 35 years, we’ve tripled our production at the Racine facility and we’re looking forward to continued growth with the addition of the Kenosha facility.”
The company said that the expansion will address its growing production needs at its current Racine manufacturing facility. Both facilities will manufacture a variety of products. The first production line in the Kenosha facility is expected to be operational by mid-2015.
To assist with the $65 million project, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has authorized up to $15.5 million in tax credits through 2018 through its Enterprise Zone program.
“This is an iconic, internationally known company whose products can be found in millions of homes in America and in more than 80 countries,” said Gov. Scott Walker. “It is great news for Wisconsin and for the Kenosha/Racine area that InSinkErator has made a commitment to not only staying in the region, but growing its operations here.”
Kenosha and Racine officials say the InSinkErator expanion project is just another sign of the strong economic development the region is experiencing, including the Amazon.com distribution center development in Kenosha, which is under construction.
“We are pleased that a great company like InSinkErator would choose to expand their operations in southeastern Wisconsin, and with it, adding manufacturing jobs in both Racine and Kenosha,” said Kenosha Mayor Keith G. Bosman.
“InSinkErator’s expansion announcement is great news for southeastern Wisconsin and a very positive statement about their commitment to manufacturing in America,” said Todd Battle, president of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance. “This is a major win for the region that results in significant investment, new and upgraded facilities, and a significant increase in employment.”
“We are excited about the $43.7 million investment that InSinkErator has committed to its City of Racine manufacturing location, which attests to the company’s continued commitment to be an employer of choice in Racine County,” said Jenny Trick, executive director of the Racine County Economic Development Corp. “The company’s investment further solidifies its reputation for quality products and reflects well on its workforce and management here in Racine.”
