Gov. Doyle: Announces $206,000 in funding for Ashland Industries

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

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

Project to Create 47 Jobs and Retain 40 Jobs

ASHLAND – Governor Jim Doyle today announced a $206,000 in assistance to Ashland Industries to support their efforts to create 47 jobs and retain 40 jobs. The funding comes from the Community Development Block Grant for Economic Development program overseen by the Department of Commerce. Commerce Secretary Aaron Olver made the announcement today in Ashland as part of Governor Doyle’s eighth annual Up North tour.

“My top priority this year is to help move companies and communities forward and create good-paying jobs for our citizens,” said Governor Doyle. “I’m pleased that we could help Ashland Industries expand its business and help create good paying jobs in Wisconsin.”

Ashland Industries will use the state funding to purchase equipment for a plant update. The company has committed to creating 47 new positions and will retain another 40 jobs for local residents. The $1 million project represents their continued investment in their Ashland facility.

Ashland Industries, Inc. was established in 1953 as Buchli Enterprises and manufactured a line of carry-all scrapers and after-market dozer blades for several dozers. Today, Ashland Industries manufactures high-quality earth moving equipment used in a variety of industrial, agricultural and landscaping applications.

This project builds 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.