Site Selection

Kikkoman Groundbreaking in Wisconsin

Jessica Reilly · Jun 14, 2024 ·

In a spectacular event showcasing collaboration and growth, Kikkoman Foods Inc. recently broke ground on a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Jefferson, Wisconsin. This significant event marks another milestone in the longstanding relationship between Kikkoman and the state of Wisconsin.

Why is This Groundbreaking Important?

This groundbreaking ceremony was not just another corporate event; it was a testament to decades of mutual trust and cooperation. The new facility represents a major investment of more than $800 million, including a $560 million investment in Jefferson and an additional $250 million expansion at Kikkoman’s existing facility in Walworth. Governor Tony Evers, along with Kikkoman Chairman and Honorary CEO Yuzaburo Mogi, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, and other local leaders, gathered to celebrate this remarkable step forward.

“Today’s events are a watershed moment in Wisconsin’s relationship with a global brand like Kikkoman,” said Gov. Evers. “The strong connection between Wisconsin and Japanese businesses like Kikkoman has been instrumental in driving Wisconsin’s economic growth, bolstering innovation, and creating valuable employment opportunities.”

The Impact on Southcentral Wisconsin

The new facility in Jefferson is set to create at least 83 high-paying jobs over the next 12 years. This is a significant boost for local employment and economic development. The facility will also serve as a model of modern, highly automated food manufacturing, contributing to Wisconsin’s burgeoning reputation as a hub for food and beverage innovation.

“The site selection process is incredibly competitive and Kikkoman’s choice to establish roots in Jefferson County underscores the county’s reputation as a prime destination for food and beverage manufacturers,” said Deborah Reinbold, President of Thrive Economic Development. “Transformative projects of this magnitude require the dedication and cooperation of many, and this success is a testament to our collective efforts.”

MadREP VP of Economic Development Everett Butzine amplified her sentiments, stating, “Supporting our county partners at Thrive through the site selection process has been profoundly gratifying. At MadREP, we are fortunate to collaborate with such outstanding county partners.”

Jefferson Mayor Dale Oppermann emphasized the importance of Kikkoman’s investment by stating, “Kikkoman’s decision to invest in Jefferson underscores the strength and appeal of our local food and beverage niche. We appreciate the trust Kikkoman has placed in our community and look forward to a long, prosperous partnership.”

Role of Regional Economic Development

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has been a pivotal player in facilitating this investment. WEDC will award up to $15.5 million in performance-based tax credits to support Kikkoman’s expansion efforts. “WEDC is pleased to support Kikkoman’s growth in our state and the bright future it promises for our communities,” said Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO of WEDC.

The collaborative efforts between state and local governments, economic development agencies, and private enterprises underscore the importance of regional economic development in fostering large-scale investments. These partnerships are crucial for attracting and retaining global businesses, which in turn drive job creation and economic growth.

Economic Partnership with Japan

Japan has long been a significant partner for Wisconsin, both economically and culturally. There are currently 81 Japanese companies with over 224 operations throughout the state, creating approximately 9,000 jobs. Since 2013, Japan has invested over $2.6 billion in Wisconsin, making it the second-largest investor in the state after Canada.

Governor Evers’ recent participation in the White House State Dinner in honor of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio further highlights the deep-rooted economic ties and the mutual benefits derived from such partnerships. This solidifies Wisconsin’s role in fostering international economic relationships and underscores the state’s commitment to maintaining and growing these valuable connections.

Conclusion

The Kikkoman groundbreaking ceremony in Jefferson is more than just the start of constructing a new facility; it marks a new chapter in Wisconsin’s economic story. With substantial investments, job creation, and the continuous support from regional economic development entities, Kikkoman’s expansion promises a brighter future for Southcentral Wisconsin.

If you’re keen on learning more about how investments like these can impact local economies or are interested in exploring business opportunities in Wisconsin, our team of experts is here to help. Contact us today to discover how we can assist you in navigating this dynamic economic landscape.

Daily Citizen | New Horicon business park set to open

Jessica Reilly · May 21, 2022 ·

Daily Citizen | Kelly Simon

HORICON — Marshland Crossing Business Park makes its debut in Horicon next week more than six years after its inception.

Situated on the far western edge of Horicon, the property features direct access to State Highway 33, over 66 shovel-ready acres of developable land and potential rail connectivity.

The Horicon City Council approved the creation of a new industrial park in July 2016.

The city purchased a 40-acre plot from Cynthia Wrucke, located at W5326 Highway 33, for the purpose of creating a new industrial park. The Horicon Community Development Corporation purchased three separate 40-acre plots from Wrucke in December 2015.

At that time, City Clerk/Treasurer Kristen Jacobson said Horicon couldn’t attract new industrial business because of a lack of available space.

“The city is currently out of vacant land in our industrial park except for a three-acre plot,” she said.

The land was annexed by the city of Horicon from the town of Oak Grove and rezoned to limited industrial and heavy industrial land from prime agricultural land.

The property was also added into the Tax Increment District No. 5, which was created in 2015 to help with the John Deere expansion on East Lake Street.

According to Jacobson, Horicon has completed multiple studies on the site to determine its true development potential and, in partnership with Dodge County, the site received Gold Shovel site verification from Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) in 2021.

Herald-Independent & McFarland Thistle: Amazon neighborhood listening session draws local residents

Jessica Reilly · Feb 10, 2022 ·

The Herald-Independent and McFarland Thistle | Madeline Westberg

More than 80 Cottage Grove and Sun Prairie residents participated in a neighborhood listening session about a proposed Amazon distribution facility this week.

A site on the corner of County Highway N and County Highway TT totaling 130 acres has been sold by Cottage Grove Business Development LLC to Amazon.com Services LLC for $29.7 million, records from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue say.

Developer Trammell Crow Company (TCC), one of the largest industrial and healthcare developers in the country, is working to develop the property, which TCC is calling “Project Silver Eagle.”

TCC is proposing a five-story warehouse distribution facility, set on 145 total acres located behind the BP gas station on that corner. The plans propose a 650,000 square foot base footprint, with the building standing 93 feet tall. The total square footage of the facility would be 3.4 million, with 90,000 square feet devoted to office space.

The facility would include 60 loading docks, 326 trailer parking stalls, 1,700 car parking stalls and four entrances. Three of those access points are proposed on County Highway TT for passenger vehicles, with one driveway on Highway N for truck traffic.

Developers say it’s estimated that the facility would see $200 million in capital invested by the project and create 1,000 to 1,500 full-time jobs. The facility would be used for storing, sorting and transporting product.

The property was annexed from the Town of Sun Prairie into the village of Cottage Grove about ten years ago.

TCC held two listening sessions on the project on Monday, Feb. 7, moderated by senior associate Morgan Baer Blaska of TCC and MadREP, an economic development organization that serves eight counties, including Dane County.

“This meeting is to give you all the opportunity ask questions…voice some of your opinions and concerns,” said MadREP CEO Jason Fields.

More than 80 community members signed on to join the evening listening session. While a handful of written comments during the meeting expressed support for the project, the majority of comments were opposed.

Some of the questions asked by participants focused on stormwater retention plans, property value concerns, concerns on Amazon business practices, environmental impacts on McCarthy Park, impacts on surrounding neighborhoods, traffic and lighting impacts, and others.

At the session, Baer Blaska said she would not share any information about “the user and potential operations,” referring to Amazon. Developers didn’t respond to any questions about Amazon’s operations or planned uses for the facility, saying it was “not our area of expertise.”

Developers and engineers instead focused on the facility design, sharing additional information about the stormwater management strategies on the property, lighting and window concerns and sound pollution.

Baer Blaska and engineer Adam Artz said the property’s grading decreases toward the center of the property, which will allow for stormwater drainage and noise buffering due to the topography of the property.

“The building sits deep in its own crevice,” Baer Blaska said.

Artz added that the project shouldn’t impact well levels of residential wells, and the stormwater systems are designed to protect from any potential contaminants to area wells.

Baer Blaska and Artz added that there will be a lighting study submitted to the village for approval, but that the facility would run 24/7. The developers don’t have data presently on windows and compositions, but have a fully-glass facility. They also said there would be landscaping and retaining walls to curb noise pollution.

When asked aboutthe Silver Ridge neighborhood nearby, Baer Blaska said a conservation easement owned by the town of Cottage Grove prevents developers from moving the site further away from neighboring residences.

Baer Blaska asserted that TCC has seen property values near facilities like this one tended to go up, and that the developer has not applied for any tax breaks from the village or state.

“This will be a tax-paying entity and revenue-generating facility for the village,” she said.

One participant in the call asked “why this project is so far along.”

Baer Blaska responded that the developer held its first neighborhood meeting in December, and has engaged with the village in public meetings in January.

“We have been actively public since December, and will continue to host these meetings as necessary,” she said.

Village administrator Matt Giese and Director of Planning and Development Erin Ruth say the next step for the process will be TCC presenting a “precise implementation plan,” a more specific plan involving more concrete engineering information. That plan is set to come to the Cottage Grove Plan Commission on Feb. 16, and to be considered by the village board on Feb. 21.

From there, the developers would need to create a developer’s agreement with the village, which would likely come forward in March. Then, the developer would be responsible for getting the building plans reviewed by the state.

Giese said it’s possible that developers could consider starting construction in 2022.

Participants on the neighborhood listening session said they intend to participate in the village approval process.

“The village of Cottage Grove and the town of Sun Prairie are where a lot of your issues need to be raised,” one participant told others during the session. “That’s where your voice will be heard.”

Article originally published on The Herald-Independent and McFarland Thistle.