Sub-Zero Group Investing $70M In Wisconsin Expansion

The premium appliance manufacturer will create 100 jobs as it adds a 350,000-square-foot R&D facility in Fitchburg.

Sub-Zero Group Inc., an industry leader in premium refrigeration, cooking and dishwashing appliances, is expanding its operations in Fitchburg, WI with a new 350,000-square-foot research and development facility. The $70 million project is expected to create 100 jobs over the next three years.

Sub-Zero Fitchburg, WI
(Photo: Wisconsin State Journal)

“We are proud to call Wisconsin home for nearly 75 years, and look forward to bringing new investment, jobs and impact to the local community,” said Brian Jones, senior director of marketing for Sub-Zero. “The Fitchburg expansion is a perfect example of the astounding growth and opportunity that are possible when a company and a community work together.”

Founded in 1945, the third-generation, family-owned company is headquartered in Madison, WI and currently operates manufacturing facilities in Fitchburg and Goodyear, AZ. The new facility will serve as a research and development center that will drive innovation for next-generation products.

“Sub-Zero appliances, as well as the company’s Wolf and Cove brands, have been a fixture in homes in Wisconsin and around the world for generations, and I thank the company for continuing to invest and grow in our state,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s lead economic development organization. “This investment will allow Sub-Zero to position itself for continued growth and success, and at the same time, create family-supporting jobs in the Madison area.”

WEDC is supporting the project by authorizing up to $1 million in state income tax credits over the next four years. The actual amount of tax credits Sub-Zero will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period.

In addition to the 100 jobs expected to be created by the company, an economic modeling study estimates the project could indirectly generate 122 additional jobs in the region. Those 222 new jobs are expected to generate $2.8 million in state income tax revenue over a five-year period.

“The City of Fitchburg is grateful that Sub-Zero Group Inc. has again chosen to invest in our community with the construction of this latest project, its research and development facility,” said Fitchburg Mayor Aaron Richardson. “The city and Sub-Zero’s private/public partnership goes back over 20 years, and we continue to grow and strengthen our relationship. Not only is Sub-Zero a great corporate partner—they invest in Fitchburg each and every day as one of the city’s largest employers. Thank you to WEDC and Sub-Zero Group Inc. for its commitment and investments in the City of Fitchburg.”

“Facilities like Sub-Zero are key to the industrial diversity of the Madison Region, creating a stronger and more sustainable economy,” added Paul Jadin, president of the Madison Regional Economic Partnership (MadREP). “It’s wonderful to see so many organizations in our region choosing to grow in place.”

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