Foxconn Announces $10B Wisconsin Campus

By Barbra Murray

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker

Taiwan-based Foxconn, the largest electronics manufacturing services provider in the world, has selected the Badger State for the location of a cutting-edge manufacturing plant and technology campus, in which Foxconn will invest $10 billion by 2020.

The campus, to be called Wisconn Valley, will be built in Southeastern Wisconsin and result in the creation of 12,000 new positions, 10,000 construction jobs and an additional 22,000 indirect jobs. Foxconn will use the location to manufacture 8K LCD screens that will be utilized in industries ranging from entertainment to self-driving cars to healthcare.

“We believe this will have a transformational effect on Wisconsin, just as Silicon Valley transformed the San Francisco Bay Area,” Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said during an announcement of the project at the White House on July 26. “Foxconn plans to bring the future of high-tech manufacturing to America, and Wisconsin is going to lead the way.”

A LITTLE WOOING CAN GO A LONG WAY

Walker has called a special session of the Wisconsin State Legislature in the 1st of August for the consideration of legislation proposing a $3 billion performance-based incentive package for Foxconn.

In the executive order, Walker notes, “Since 2011, Wisconsin has become a leader in providing a business climate that encourages research and development, technological innovation, and workforce development.” Foxconn found even more reasons to set up shop in Wisconsin. As Foxconn CEO Terry Gou asserted during the announcement of the project, the state provides a talented, hardworking workforce and a long track record in advanced manufacturing.

Wisconn Valley will mark the initial step in the development of what will ultimately be a portfolio of several Foxconn facilities across the U.S.