Arntzen Corporation, a manufacturer of large-diameter steel piping critical for underground infrastructure, will move its Rockford, IL production facilities to the Village of Sharon in Wisconsin's Walworth County. The company will employ 40 workers at its new location.
Designed to produce large diameter pipe from steel plate, the newly built facility will house modern plate cutting equipment along with tried and true steel plate bending rolls and high deposition welding equipment. "Arntzen's decision to relocate to Sharon WI is a commitment to the family's third generation," stated company Vice President, John Arntzen. "Wisconsin’s pro-business environment combined with the Village of Sharon’s industrial site with rail access made it the logical choice. Highways 67 and 14 provide interstate access for shipping as well as easy access to Arntzen’s Woodstock IL plant.”
The project represents a combined private and public investment of approximately $16 million. “The Village welcomes Arntzen Corporation’s project and how it will benefit the community for years to come,” said Susan Steele, Village of Sharon Administrator.
Arntzen Corporation plans to start construction in the third quarter of 2021. The new project will add to Walworth County’s strong manufacturing base.
"I am delighted that Arntzen Corporation is making a significant investment in Sharon, Wisconsin that will provide good-paying jobs for the area," said Derek D'Auria, Executive Director, Walworth County Economic Development Alliance. "It's a sound, family-owned company whose owners are community-minded. This is the type of company that is a good fit for Walworth County. We are delighted to welcome them to the area."
Construction on new infrastructure to support the project, including improvements to rail and power, will start on the property immediately.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will provide $200,000 through the Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) grant to the Village of Sharon to construction of a rail spur will provide access to the new Arntzen Corporation manufacturing facility. “Good infrastructure positions businesses for success,” WisDOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson said. “I want to welcome Arntzen to Wisconsin and invite any business to discuss their transportation needs.”
Alliant Energy is planning to install a new 25 Kv substation to power Arntzen’s large steel plate bending rolls and welding equipment. “Guided by our purpose-driven strategy, we are committed to making the communities we serve stronger,” said JP Brummond, VP Customer & Community Engagement at Alliant Energy. “Installing 25kv is attractive to new and expanding businesses. It also enhances the reliability and resiliency of our network while promoting local growth. This brings value to our customers and the communities we proudly serve.”
The Milwaukee 7 (M7) regional economic development organization assisted in the recruitment of Arntzen.
“We’re thrilled that Arntzen has chosen to make this substantial investment in southeastern Wisconsin,” said Rebecca Gries, M7’s Director of Corporate Attraction & Expansion. “Arntzen is the kind of company that can thrive here. Their arrival is another validation of the value proposition that our region offers to so many manufacturers. From our talented, experienced workforce to our strong cluster of manufacturers, our region has many strengths that enable us to uniquely support the growth of a company like Arntzen.”
About Arntzen Corporation
Arntzen Corporation was founded in 1954 and is now operated by the second and third generations of the Arntzen family. The company manufactures large-diameter rolled and welded steel casing pipe with mills currently in Rockford and Woodstock, Ill., used by underground contractors for road boring, pipe ramming, auger boring, caissons, and drilled shafts. Other uses related to trenchless construction are directional drilling, micro-tunneling and airshafts.
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