Governor Scott Walker visited Piping Systems Inc. in Hortonville Tuesday, Oct. 28, to congratulate the company on the expansion of its manufacturing facility—a project expected to bring more than 100 new jobs to the area.
“Piping Systems is a true Wisconsin success story,” Governor Walker said. “Founded in 1990, the company now has customers worldwide, including several Fortune 500 companies. This illustrates how a company with a quality product, dedicated employees and a commitment to excellence can continue to grow right here in Wisconsin.”
Piping Systems Inc. (PSI), a recognized leader in the industrial pipe fabrication industry, has experienced significant growth and the expansion will enable the company to build new partnerships and bid on both new and larger contracts. Construction on the $5.5 million addition is now under way and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
PSI fabricates piping spools, modular equipment, and piping skids for industrial customers throughout the U.S., and has a growing number of International clients. More than 80 percent of the company’s products go to customers in the growing Oil, Gas, and Energy sectors.
The 65,000-square-foot plant addition, along with 30 newly developed acres, at the Hortonville Industrial Park site will provide PSI with enough space to meet its upcoming workload demands and accommodate long-term growth.
“Piping Systems is very excited about the expansion of our facilities and future job creation. Fueled by the award of a major contract, we are now able to complete the second phase of our three-phase expansion plan,” said company co-founder and President Jeff Bunker.
The recent contract will supply pipe to the Cove Point Liquefaction Project in Calvert County, Maryland. This plant will serve as an export terminal where natural gas extracted from the Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Field and others will be processed into liquefied natural gas for export to Japan.
“The expansion will enable PSI to hire both skilled UA trades labor and support staff to meet the needs of existing customers as well as future ones. We sincerely thank our loyal employees and their families, along with the WEDC, UA Local 400, our vendors and our customers for their support over the years. It is through all of their combined efforts that this growth is possible,” said Bunker.
Governor Walker highlighted the need for a trained and skilled labor force.
“These are jobs that pay more than $30 an hour in terms of direct pay,” said Walker. He asked audience members to help by spreading the word.
“The challenge for PSI and other employers out here in the valley and beyond is going to be finding more people to fill those jobs with the skills that are needed,” he said.
He stressed the importance of education, apprenticeship programs and working to drive
“These are great paying careers in manufacturing and construction in the State of Wisconsin. They are the kind of jobs that are paying sixty to seventy-five thousand dollars a year, or more, and you can help me spread that message,” said Walker.
He asked for help spreading the word students, families, guidance counselors and teachers throughout the year, and he encouraged families and young people in the audience to celebrate careers in the skilled trades.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has authorized up to $350,000 in Economic Development Tax Credits over three years to support the expansion project at PSI. The company has agreed to create 119 new, full-time positions during that time. The actual amount of tax credits distributed will be based on the number of jobs created.
Since 2012, WEDC has authorized more than $80 million in Economic Development Tax Credits statewide for projects that are expected to create or retain more than 39,000 jobs.
“WEDC’s Economic Development Tax Credit Program is a powerful tool to help companies throughout the state grow their business and create jobs,” said Reed Hall, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development organization. “WEDC is pleased to be able to have played a key role in this important project, which is expected to more than double the number of employees now working at Piping Systems.”
The Village of Hortonville also is providing $550,000 in incentives to support the project. When completed, PSI will be the number one private-sector employer in the village.
“The Village of Hortonville is pleased to have Piping Systems expand in the village and excited about the impact the new jobs will have on the continued growth of the community,” said Village President Andrew Gitter.
“The village is positioned nicely with a diversity of residential lots ready for new homes to be constructed. We anticipate the new jobs created by Piping Systems will be reflected in new homes in the village,” said Gitter.
Gitter thanked Jeff Bunker for not only selecting Hortonville when moving his business there a few years ago, he also thanked him for his commitment to staying there and expanding in the Village.
Jerry Murphy, executive director of New North, the regional economic development organization serving northeastern Wisconsin, added: “Manufacturing is a pillar of business within the New North, and the success of companies like Piping Systems affirms that. The Economic Development Tax Credit Program of WEDC is a real asset in helping to grow the regional economy.”