With multiple recent expansions of its presence in Wisconsin, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. is primed to reach its goal of $5 billion in annual revenue in 2020 and cement its position as a key global player in the power equipment market.
In October, it opened a $32 million research and development center on its Brookfield campus and expanded its Mukwonago manufacturing facility. In December, it announced the acquisition of additional office and research space in Menomonee Falls.
When Hong Kong-based Techtronic Industries Co. acquired the company in 2005, Milwaukee Tool occupied just 100,000 square feet. With the new R&D building, its headquarters will now total more than 500,000 square feet.
“We know we have to stop underestimating and we’ll have to go really big in the next development phase…We know we’ll have to get the acreage that allows us to grow for the next 10 years,” Milwaukee Tool President Steve Richman told the Milwaukee Business Journal.
The expansion into nearby Menomonee Falls is the company’s fourth expansion in the last five years. Together, these expansions represent an estimated $174 million in capital investment and are expected to create more than 1,800 new jobs. WEDC continues its support of Milwaukee Tool with up to $46 million in state tax credits, contingent upon the company meeting specific job creation and capital investment targets.
“Our state is extremely grateful that Milwaukee Tool continues to expand and invest in Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “From the company’s name to the quality of its tools, Milwaukee Tool demonstrates that Wisconsin products – and Wisconsin workers – are the best not only in the nation but in the world.”
Since 2011, Milwaukee Tool's sales have increased by nearly 400%, and its Wisconsin-based workforce has gone from just over 300 employees to almost 1,400.