Generac Power Systems Expanding Operations In Wisconsin

The company will invest more than $73M and create 400 jobs over five years with help from state Enterprise Zone Tax Credits.

Generac Power Systems Inc. will invest more than $73 million and create 400 jobs over five years as it expands its Waukesha, WI-based global corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities throughout Wisconsin. The manufacturer of power generation and engine-powered products has been approved for a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) award of up to $10 million in Enterprise Zone Tax Credits through 2021.

Waukesha WIGenerac’s growth plans include building renovations and equipment at its facilities in Waukesha, Oshkosh, Jefferson, Eagle, Whitewater and Berlin. Expansion of Generac’s corporate headquarters, research and development, and production operations in Wisconsin are also in the works.

“As we’ve grown and added facilities throughout Wisconsin, it became clear that we needed to invest in a cutting-edge space at our corporate headquarters allowing us to dramatically advance our key product development and engineering activities,” said Aaron Jagdfeld, president and CEO of Generac. “We’ve been on our current campus since 1965, but a lot has changed since then. This project will help us realize efficiencies at our headquarters facility that will drive continued innovation.”

Jagdfeld added that particular emphasis would be placed on advanced research and development capabilities, including the addition of equipment and technologies to enable faster prototyping and testing of products in-house. “These investments will allow us to quicken the pace of our product development cycles, which is critical to remaining at the forefront of the industries we serve.”

“From its beginnings in a Waukesha County garage more than 50 years ago, Generac has become a leader in its industry and now employs 2,000 people throughout the state,” said Governor Scott Walker. “I applaud the company for making the commitment to continue to grow in Wisconsin. This is the latest example of companies in Wisconsin and around the world that are expanding or establishing operations in the state because of the pro-business climate our policies have created over the last six years.”

The actual amount of state tax credits awarded to Generac by WEDC will be contingent upon the number of new jobs created, the level of capital investment the company makes and the amount spent on employee training. Generac plans to make significant investments to train its workers on the new equipment it will be installing.

“In addition to the jobs created by this project, this expansion will enable Generac to usher in a new era of innovation and develop products to reach new markets and position the company for future growth,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development organization. “That is good news for southeastern Wisconsin and the entire state.”

In addition to the 400 jobs expected to be created by Generac, an economic modeling study projects that the project will indirectly generate 356 additional jobs in the region. Over a five-year period, the direct and indirect jobs could generate $9.5 million in additional state income tax revenue.

Relocating or Expanding Your Business In Wisconsin

Considering Wisconsin for your company’s relocation or expansion project? Check out Business Facilities’ Wisconsin Incentives and Workforce Development Guide.