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It’s been 20 years since Area Development first handed out its inaugural Shovel Awards. In those two decades, we’ve seen seismic shifts in where and how America grows. From the rise of the electric vehicle industry to the return of semiconductor manufacturing on U.S. soil, the momentum has never let up. If anything, the pace has only quickened. And through it all, the states that earn Shovel Awards have led the charge, securing investments, creating jobs, and laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term economic success.

Wisconsin is gaining national attention as a dynamic technology hub, attracting global corporations, high-growth startups, and pioneering researchers who are reshaping advanced manufacturing, biohealth, and clean energy. By aligning talent, resources, and industry partnerships, the state is creating a climate where innovation thrives and businesses scale.

Franklin, WI, June 13, 2025 – Governor Tony Evers, together with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and company officials, today announced that Yaskawa America Inc. will invest $180 million and create more than 700 new high-paying jobs in Wisconsin. 

Yaskawa America, a manufacturer of AC inverter drives and motion control and robotics automation systems, plans to spend $180 million to build out a new headquarters campus in Franklin.

Norwalk, Connecticut-based Terex Corp., a global industrial equipment manufacturer, will expand its operations in Pewaukee and eventually create more than 100 new jobs there.