Facility expansion project expected to create 80-90 new jobs

Wisconsin Oven Corp. and parent company Thermal Product Solutions (TPS) announced today a significant investment in southeastern Wisconsin that includes the purchase of a new facility to accommodate their Blue M laboratory oven product line and provide additional manufacturing space for their expanding operations.

The companies anticipate hiring 80 to 90 new full-time technical employees, who will join Wisconsin Oven’s existing staff of 137 at the company’s growing campus in East Troy. Company executives selected the location after considering other sites throughout the country.

TPS has purchased a vacant building at 2061 Young St. and will invest $1.5 million in renovation and equipment. Renovation work on the project has already begun, and operations at the facility are expected to begin by the end of the year.

“We are very excited to secure this facility,” said Dave Strand, president of TPS. “Over the next year, we will be doing some extensive renovation, and we plan on hiring 80 to 90 employees between 2017 and 2019.”

“Congratulations to Wisconsin Oven and TPS on their expansion. I applaud them for creating jobs and for making a commitment to grow in Wisconsin,” said Governor Scott Walker. “The fact that more out-of-state companies either establish or expand operations in our state illustrates that the pro-business reforms we’ve made over the last six years are working.”

Established in 1973, Wisconsin Oven has grown to be the industry leader in the design and manufacture of industrial ovens for a variety of applications. Its equipment serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy and composites. In 2015, Wisconsin Oven was purchased by TPS.

TPS is an industrial oven and environmental chamber manufacturer that is headquartered in New Columbia, Pennsylvania, with manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania, Michigan, California and Wisconsin. While TPS serves several of the same industries as Wisconsin Oven, TPS also focuses on other sectors, including the pharmaceutical, semi-conductor, environmental testing and medical sectors.

To help secure the project in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is providing the company with up to $500,000 in performance-based Business Development Tax Credits through 2020. The actual amount of credits awarded will be contingent upon the number of jobs created and the level of capital investment during that time.

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

“Wisconsin Oven is a homegrown organization that has developed into a world-class company,” said Derek D’Auria, executive director of Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA). “East Troy’s small-town Wisconsin work ethic and sense of community is a great fit for an expansion like this.”

“I am very excited about Wisconsin Oven continuing to expand in East Troy,” Village President Scott Seager added. “Wisconsin Oven is a very important part of the community because of its strong history and the employment opportunity they provide our citizens. I would like to thank Wisconsin Oven for believing in this community, like so many of us do.”

“I would like to extend my congratulations and gratitude to the leadership of Wisconsin Oven Corp. for its ongoing commitment to the East Troy community,” said May Nicoson, board member of the East Troy Community Development Alliance.

“We are thrilled TPS has decided to make this significant investment in Walworth County,” echoed Logan Dawson, director of the Milwaukee 7. “Our manufacturing assets are among the best in the world, and we continue to see strong alignment between industry needs and what our region has to offer.”

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About Wisconsin Oven and Thermal Product Solutions: As the leading manufacturer of industrial ovens, Wisconsin Oven Corporation prides itself on customer satisfaction and unmatched product quality. Their team of employees come to work every day with the passion and dedication required to deliver the level of service and quality that has made Wisconsin Oven the leader in the industry. The championship culture at Wisconsin Oven is not the only thing that makes it a great place to work, employees also receive an excellent benefits package. These benefits go above and beyond the typical list offered by many companies today. For more information on current job opportunities visit their website www.wisoven.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 Walworth County Economic Development Alliance: Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA) is a non-profit organization that serves to connect stakeholders with valuable resources which result in investments within the county that benefit its residents. www.walworthbusiness.com   

About the East Troy Economic Development Alliance: The East Troy Community Development Alliance (ETCDA) is committed to improving the business climate for the East Troy area by working with public and private partners to advance efforts that lead to increased investments in the community.

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