MADISON – Badger Meter, a developer of flow measurement products, is expanding its operations in Racine – a project expected to create 40 jobs over the next three years.
“We applaud Badger Meter for its decision to continue to invest and grow in Wisconsin,” said Governor Scott Walker. “As an industry leader and innovator, the company’s most recent investment will enhance the long-term growth opportunities at its Racine operation and position Badger Meter for continued success.”
In 2010, Badger Meter acquired Arizona-based Cox Instruments, which focuses on testing and calibration of flow meters, as well as supplying precision and industrial flow measurement instrumentation for liquid and gas flow measurement applications. Due to facility limitations, Badger Meter has decided to relocate Cox Instruments to its facility on Washington Avenue in Racine.
The relocation of Cox Instruments will require the Racine facility to become accredited by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Once the facility becomes an NIST certified lab, it will provide calibration of high precision flow instrumentation, which will complement the company’s existing manufacturing and assembly operations.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the project by authorizing up to $250,000 in state income tax credits based on job creation over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Badger Meter will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created during that time.
“Badger Meter is excited to bring more family-supporting jobs to Wisconsin from our Arizona facility,” said Rich Meeusen, Badger Meter chairman, president and CEO. “WEDC is helping us pay the cost of training new employees as we continue to grow our Racine-area operations. This is just another example of how the state of Wisconsin is creating new job opportunities by supporting business expansion in our state.”
Regional economic development officials applauded the company’s decision to expand its operation in Racine.
“Badger Meter’s decision to expand in southeastern Wisconsin is the just the latest example of a legacy manufacturer choosing to deepen its roots in our region,” said Jim Paetsch, vice president of corporate expansion for the Milwaukee 7 economic development group. “As our global profile continues to expand, the Milwaukee region is attracting manufacturing investment at a pace unprecedented in our history. Like most firms, Badger Meter has choices. The company’s decision to invest here is further evidence of the confidence manufacturers have in the economic trajectory of our state and region.”
“Racine County has long been recognized as an advanced manufacturing hub and Badger Meter’s decision to expand here, underscores that reputation,” added Laura Million, business development manager for the Racine County Economic Development Corporation. “Badger Meter will not only bring 40 new jobs here, it will build and certify a new NIST-certified lab, creating long-term growth opportunities for Racine County.”
Founded in 1905, Badger Meter is a global leader in the design and production of flow measurement technologies serving water utilities, municipalities, and commercial and industrial customers worldwide. The company’s products measure water, oil, chemicals and other fluids to provide precise measurement and control. Through a global network of manufacturing facilities, innovation centers, sales offices and warehouses, Badger Meter helps customers throughout the world manage their operations, add to revenue and minimize waste.
Badger Meter is also an active member of The Water Council, an organization made up of global water technology companies, innovative water entrepreneurs, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, acclaimed academic research programs and some of the nation’s brightest and most energetic water professionals. Meeusen co-founded The Water Council and is co-chairman of the organization’s Board of Directors.
In addition to the 40 jobs expected to be created by the company in Racine, an economic modeling study estimates the project could indirectly generate 72 additional jobs in the region. Those 112 new jobs are expected to generate $1.5 million in state income tax revenue over a five-year period.