Gov. Doyle: Announces $6.85 million in energy funding for five companies in northeast Wisconsin

Contacts: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661

Projects Will Create 80 Jobs

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced $6.85 million in funding for five northeast Wisconsin companies to invest in their operations and create 83 jobs in the state. The funding comes from the State Energy Program (SEP), which is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Commerce Secretary Aaron Olver made the announcement today on behalf of the Governor at an event with Synchrotek, Inc. at the company’s Ashwaubenon facility.

“My top priority has been to help companies and communities move forward and create good-paying jobs for Wisconsin families,” Governor Doyle said. “We are moving Wisconsin forward in difficult national economic times by investing in our businesses and making them more efficient and competitive. With this funding, we will be able to help five companies upgrade their facilities and create good jobs in northeast Wisconsin.”

SEP funds announced today will help Synchrotek, Oneida Energy, Wisconsin Film & Bag, C.A. Lawton, Greenwood Fuels invest in efficient manufacturing operations.

Synchrotek, Inc., of Ashwaubenon has received a $500,000 SEP loan. The company designs rotating electric machinery, specializing in generators and motors. It serves a wide variety of industries, such as hybrid technology, hydro-electric, defense, and alternative energy. Synchrotek, Inc. will use SEP funds to manufacture and commercialize a 100-kW generator. This project creates 13 jobs and represents $1.2 million in investment.

Oneida Energy, LLC of De Pere has received a $2 million SEP loan on behalf of Oneida Seven Generations Corporation (OSGC). OSGC is proposing an energy recovery project that will convert landfill, farm, and other bio-organic waste to energy. This project creates 22 positions and represents $17.6 million in investment.

Wisconsin Film & Bag, Inc. of Shawano has received a $1.8 million SEP loan. It is creating an industrial plastic film recycling center. The recycling center will convert post-consumer plastic scrap materials into resin pellets to use in the film and bag-making facility. The company will purchase new equipment for the center that will permit the recycling of 8,000 tons of industrial plastic film scrap. The project will create 29 positions and represents $4.7 million in investment.

C.A. Lawton Co. of DePere has received a $1.3 million SEP loan. The company, founded in 1879, is a fifth generation, privately-owned company, which has grown from offering pattern making and foundry products to providing all facets of production. The company is purchasing equipment to retool to produce large-energy wind castings. This project will create 10 jobs and represents total investment of $5.3 million.

Greenwood Fuels WI, LLC of Green Bay has received a $1.25 million SEP loan. The company is based on converting a range of abundant and sustainable non-recyclable materials into biomass fuel pellets. The company’s products are marketed as a cost-effective, sustainable and renewable alternative to coal for industrial customers and power producers in the U.S. and abroad. The company will use the State Energy Program loan to purchase equipment to expand production capacity at their Green Bay operation. This project creates six jobs and represents total investment of $5 million.

Governor Doyle has led major efforts to help Wisconsin manufacturers improve energy efficiency and invest in clean energy technologies. Wisconsin is the only state directing 100 percent of its state energy funds from the Recovery Act – more than $55 million – to help state manufacturers bring down their costs through energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Through the State Energy Program, companies like Orion Energy Systems, McCain Foods, 5N Plus, TecStar Manufacturing, Helios USA, Nature Tech, ZBB Energy Corporation and Renewegy are already creating thousands of jobs through these investments.

These projects build on Governor Doyle’s efforts to position Wisconsin for future growth. Since taking office in 2003, Governor Doyle has worked aggressively to create and retain jobs in Wisconsin. Governor Doyle’s budget last year created some of the strongest economic development tools in the nation to help businesses create jobs and get people back to work. Wisconsin now has powerful new tax credits to help manufacturers create and retain jobs, new tools to help investors create start-ups, and new incentives to spur research and development.