Wisconsin consistently ranks among the nation’s top states for manufacturing and has long been one of the economic backbones of the state. Throughout October, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) joined more than a dozen state agencies and other partners to celebrate Manufacturing Month and increase awareness of the opportunities available in manufacturing.

In 2016, Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector accounted for more than $56 billion worth of economic output, employing 461,000 people and responsible for 18 percent of gross domestic product. CNBC recently ranked Wisconsin in the top five states for manufacturing. This acknowledgement reaffirms the importance of manufacturing to Wisconsin’s economy.

As part of WEDC’s Manufacturing Month celebration, agency officials welcomed Nelson & Pade, Inc., HaloVino and Chiappetta Shoes to the Made In Wisconsin Program, which provides Wisconsin companies with a marketing tool to help showcase the origin and quality of their products. WEDC officials met with each company to learn more about the opportunities and challenges these entrepreneurs in the manufacturing space are facing and to see firsthand what has made each company a success.

Nelson and Pade, Inc.

For over 30 years, Nelson and Pade, Inc., the Most Trusted Name in Aquaponics, has helped people from around the world get started and become successful in aquaponic food production. The company accomplishes this by providing comprehensive training, Clear Flow Aquaponic Systems®, and long-term grower support. To date, people from 103 countries and all 50 U.S. states have travelled to Nelson and Pade, Inc.’s demonstration facility in Montello to attend their Aquaponics Master Class.

HaloVino

HaloVino makes stackable, recyclable, reusable and dishwasher-safe plastic wine tumblers, combining the cost and convenience of plastic cups with the taste and experience associated with wine glasses. Tumblers are available online, through select stores around Wisconsin and at major venues, including Miller Park and BMO Bradley Center. Twisted Path Distillery, another local company featured as a part of the Bucks’ innovative food & beverage program, also joined the celebration.

Chiappetta Shoes

In 1921, Chiappetta Shoes, Kenosha, was founded with a dream to provide the highest-quality customer service possible with the finest shoes available, a commitment that is still ingrained in the Chiappetta family still. For almost 100 years, Chiappetta Shoes has offered customers highly trained shoe fitters and professional pedorthists who use their knowledge and exceptional customer care to fit people in the latest footwear fashions or in the most innovative orthotic solutions to remedy their foot pain.

For more information, visit Made.InWisconsin.com.