Alliance Laundry Systems (Alliance), the leading global commercial laundry equipment provider, announced that a proposed $62.6 million expansion to its Ripon campus has been formally approved by the company’s Board of Directors. Investment incentives from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Fond du Lac County through the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC), and the City of Ripon have now also been finalized, clearing the way for the expansion to move forward with support from all necessary stakeholders.
The project will add 225,000 square feet of new buildings including the construction of a new North America Sales and Marketing Headquarters and the conversion of an existing warehouse into a manufacturing facility. It is estimated that the project will add 200 new permanent jobs to the local workforce.
“Alliance Laundry Systems has been headquartered here in Ripon for more than a hundred years,” said Mike Schoeb, Alliance president and CEO. “During that time we have developed a tremendous partnership with both Fond du Lac County and the State of Wisconsin. Those partnerships have allowed us to continue to invest in growing our business and keeping our workforce in Wisconsin. This expansion is another demonstration of our mutual commitment to our employees and the local community.”
This expansion will be the single largest capacity-related investment in the company’s history and will ensure its continued ability to meet demand for its industry-leading laundry equipment. This is a much broader undertaking than previous expansions and will increase capacity across all brands and models.
The new North America Sales and Marketing Headquarters will feature state-of-the art conference facilities and a digital showroom, and will provide a premium destination for current and potential Alliance customers.
“We are thrilled to provide support for this expansion project to help Alliance Laundry Systems increase their Wisconsin footprint,” said Mark Hogan, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “Their continued success and ongoing commitment to grow its operations and create jobs here are proof positive of Wisconsin’s strong business climate and responsive economic development network.”
“Over the years, Fond du Lac County staff and elected officials have worked closely with Alliance Laundry Systems to accommodate their growth and global success,” said Allen Buechel, Fond du Lac County executive. “Alliance has been a key component of the County’s robust and growing economy. The company’s latest expansion will significantly advance both the local and regional economies.”
“Alliance Laundry Systems is an integral component of Fond du Lac County, The City of Ripon, and the I-41 Corridor,” continued Steve Jenkins, president of the FCEDC. “This third expansion will have a tremendous economic impact and indicates that Fond du Lac is a great place to do business. Alliance Laundry Systems is a great company productively employing residents of the County and region but also contributing in many other ways to the well-being of the community. The FCEDC is proud to be a partner in the growth of the company.”
The new jobs generated by this expansion will include all aspects of manufacturing including assembly, fabrication, welding, engineering, supervision, and maintenance, as well as increases in salaried positions. Groundbreaking is expected to take place this summer.
About Alliance Laundry Systems
Alliance Laundry Systems is the world’s leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of commercial laundry equipment used in laundromats, multi-housing laundries and on-premises laundries in more than 140 countries. Under the well-known brand names of Speed Queen®, UniMac®, Huebsch®, IPSO®, Primus® and Deli®. Alliance produces a full line of commercial washing machines, dryers and ironers with load capacities ranging from 15 to 400 pounds. Certain commercial products are also sold in the consumer laundry marketplace. For more information, visit www.alliancelaundry.com.
About The Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC)
The FCEDC is a private non-profit economic development organization serving the entire County, businesses and residents. The FCEDC facilitates resources that can benefit projects like the Alliance Laundry Systems project. The organization also provides and administers the performance-based incentives provided by Fond du Lac County. The FCEDC has been involved in three Alliance expansion projects since 2012.
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 economy. Working with more than 600 regional and local partners, WEDC develops and delivers solutions representative of a highly responsive and coordinated economic development network. Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.