Johnsonville Expanding Global Corporate HQ In Wisconsin

With support from the state, the sausage company will add 100 news jobs at its Sheboygan Falls location.

Johnsonville, the sausage company, is expanding its global corporate headquarters in Sheboygan Falls, WI. Construction on the 49,000-square-foot addition, which will feature a member development center, additional workstations and an expanded fitness center, is already underway and expected to be completed by the end of the year. The company plans to add nearly 100 new jobs over the next five years.

Sheboygan Falls WI“This project will provide much-needed capacity to support the tremendous growth we’ve experienced over the last 10 years,” said Ralph Stayer, owner and chairman of Johnsonville. “Thanks to the state’s favorable business climate, we can keep growing right here in Sheboygan County.”

The project calls for Johnsonville to significantly expand its investment in engineering, research and development, and marketing as the company prepares for additional growth in its domestic, international and foodservice businesses.

“As someone who is a big fan of Johnsonville’s products, I congratulate this iconic company on its expansion plans and I applaud Johnsonville for its commitment to continue to grow in Wisconsin,” said Governor Scott Walker. “As much as we are happy to welcome new businesses to Wisconsin, it’s equally important that the state provides longtime Wisconsin companies like Johnsonville with the necessary support and a pro-business climate to ensure they continue to grow and prosper here.”

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the expansion by awarding Johnsonville up to $10 million in state income tax credits over the next five years. WEDC awarded tax credits to Johnsonville for previous expansions at Johnsonville’s Sheboygan Falls facilities in 2012 and 2015. Since that first award, the company’s employment in Sheboygan Falls has grown from about 700 to more than 1,200.

“With more than 1,200 employees in Wisconsin, securing Johnsonville’s commitment to grow here is important for the region and entire state,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “In addition to its own employees, Johnsonville’s vendors throughout the state directly and indirectly support more than 1,500 jobs statewide.”

Johnsonville also positively impacts the state economy by sourcing products from more than 500 Wisconsin farmers, producers and companies.

“The company’s enthusiastic support of its members and community is why we named them our 2016 Economic Driver of the Year,” said Dane Checolinski, director of the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation. “The collaborative spirit exhibited by Johnsonville allows for accelerated job growth as Sheboygan County now boasts a 3 percent unemployment rate, one of the lowest in the state, and Johnsonville is creating even more job opportunities.”

Johnsonville can earn the state tax credits based upon the number of jobs created, the amount of capital investment it makes, the amount it spends on purchasing equipment, goods and services from Wisconsin companies, and the amount to be spent on employee training through 2021.

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.