Robinson Metal, a custom metal fabricator, is establishing a manufacturing facility in Manitowoc—a $2.6 million project expected to create 94 jobs over the next three years.
"This investment by Robinson Metal solidifies the company’s continued commitment to Wisconsin and is a testament to the strength of our manufacturing industry,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s lead economic development organization. “Robinson Metal is the latest example of the many Wisconsin companies that are expanding here because of our strong economy, business climate and dedicated workforce.”
“We are a community-focused company,” said Todd Robinson, vice president of Robinson Metal. “We are very excited to be a part of the Manitowoc community and expand the Robinson Metal family of employees to the Lakeshore.”
Robinson Metal plans to acquire a 112,000-square-foot facility previously owned by Manitowoc Crane that will be used to facilitate the company’s growth in three divisions: custom enclosures, pipe and vessel fabrication, and fabrication and machining. The new facility will allow the company to expand its capacity and increase revenues.
The company stated that it chose to expand their production in Manitowoc because of the city’s strong manufacturing background, especially in fabrication and assembly.
WEDC is supporting the project by authorizing up to $350,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Robinson Metal will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period.
Robinson Metal has played an active role in northeastern Wisconsin’s economy for nearly a half century. Founded in 1975, Robinson Metal is a single-source metal fabrication supplier with locations in De Pere and now Manitowoc. The company’s six divisions include fabrication and machine; pipe and vessel; Robinson Custom Enclosures; Robinson Heating and Cooling; and product handling concepts and gas trailer.
In addition to the 94 jobs expected to be created by the company, an economic modeling study estimates the project could indirectly generate 55 additional jobs in the region. Those 149 total new jobs are expected to generate $1.2 million in state income tax revenue over a five-year period.