Center to enhance customer and employee skill levels

Franklin, Wis. – Krones Inc. has announced a significant investment in southeastern Wisconsin that includes the construction of a new Training and Technology Center to serve customers and employees, which will be critical to achieving future growth plans. Krones executives decided to expand its location in the Franklin Industrial Park after considering other sites throughout the country. The announcement was made to employees at the annual employee appreciation event on August 11, held adjacent to the future site of the center – across the street from its U.S. headquarters. Krones designs and manufactures packaging solutions, primarily in the food and beverage industry.

To help secure the project in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is providing the company with up to $300,000 in performance-based Business Development Tax Credits. The actual amount of credits awarded will be contingent upon the number of jobs created and the level of capital investment during that time.

Still very early in the planning and development stages, the company expects to add at least 25 new, high-skilled positions as a result of the investment in the new 40,000-square-foot center. Construction is expected to begin in spring of 2018.

“As an innovation leader in our industry, we consider the new Krones Training and Technology Center a critical element in our value proposition to customers and employees in North America,” said Holger Beckmann, President and CEO of Krones Inc. “Higher skill levels translate to greater customer success with their Krones machines, and the investment in a local Training and Technology Center further strengthens Krones’ commitment to be a true Partner for Performance to our customers.”

“With more than 600 employees based at its U.S. headquarters in Franklin, Krones is a major employer in suburban Milwaukee County and we’re thrilled that the company has decided to grow here after looking at options elsewhere,” said Tricia Braun, deputy secretary and COO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s lead economic development agency. “In addition to the jobs being created by this investment, the company also is positioning itself for future growth by providing additional training to its employees and customers, which is good news for southeastern Wisconsin and the entire state.”

Established in 1966, Krones Inc. is the United States subsidiary of Krones AG, Neutraubling, Germany. Krones has established itself as the industry leader in the planning, design, service and manufacture of systems for filling and packaging operations, primarily in the food and beverage industry. Today, every fourth beverage bottle in the world runs through a Krones machine.

The company is receiving a warm welcome from city and regional leaders.

“Krones is one of the first businesses in the Franklin Industrial Park and has grown considerably since their original investment in 1966. Krones is already the largest employer among our business parks and has shown itself to be an outstanding community partner,” said Franklin Mayor Steve Olson. “The City looks forward to continuing to work with Krones management and employees as they grow their company and expand employment and skills with this facility addition.”

“The continued investment by a globally recognized leader like Krones further demonstrates our position as America’s manufacturing leader,” said Logan Dawson, Director of the Milwaukee 7. “Krones exemplifies our region’s world-class advanced manufacturing base and ability to deliver industry leading products and solutions.”

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About Krones, Inc.:

Krones, Inc. is the United States subsidiary of Krones AG, Neutraubling, Germany, a world leader in the manufacture of fully integrated packaging and bottling line systems as well as integrated brew house and processing systems, IT solutions and warehouse logistics systems.
The company has facilities strategically located around the globe. Krones’ United States headquarters is in Franklin, Wis., a suburb of Milwaukee. www.kronesusa.com

About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation:

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing and maximizing opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment. www.inwisconsin.com.

About the City of Franklin:

The City of Franklin, Wis. is a thriving suburban community in the heart of the coveted Milwaukee-Chicago corridor.  Home to 36,131 residents and one of the largest business and industrial parks in the region, Franklin is a first-choice destination for manufacturing, commercial, and residential development in Milwaukee County. www.franklinwi.gov.

About the Milwaukee 7:

The Milwaukee 7 (M7) is the regional economic development partnership for the seven counties comprising southeastern Wisconsin.  The M7 works closely with companies that create jobs and invest capital in the region.  www.choosemilwaukee.com