Company says business climate, workforce are key reasons why it’s growing in Wisconsin
Madison, WI — Nolato Contour, a plastics manufacturer, is expanding its facility in St. Croix County – a $17.9 million project expected to create 62 jobs over the next three years.
“Nolato Contour is a global leader in manufacturing plastics, and we applaud the company for its continued investment and commitment to the State of Wisconsin,” said Governor Scott Walker. “This growth is great news for the entire region, and the expansion will position the company for future success right here in Wisconsin. This is another example of a Wisconsin business that has chosen to grow in our state because of our outstanding business climate and dedicated workforce.”
“Nolato Contour is highly focused on our customers, and they have responded with significant long-term increases in demand,” said Russ Steele, president and managing director for the company. “We have chosen to increase our capacity in Baldwin because of Wisconsin’s positive business climate and great workforce. We are particularly impressed by the work-ready engineering graduates from the University of Wisconsin, primarily UW-Stout, and the skills focus of the local tech colleges – both Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College and Chippewa Valley Technical College. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to assist in building capacity in Wisconsin.”
Nolato Contour is a precision plastic and silicone injection molding company that produces and supplies plastic components and finished medical devices to major medical and pharma companies in the U.S. The company, formerly known as Contour Plastics, was founded in 1990 and was sold in 2010 to Nolato, a Swedish-based company that has facilities on three continents. The Baldwin location, which currently has about 160 employees, is Nolato’s first U.S. facility.
WEDC is supporting the project by authorizing up to $250,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Nolato will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period.
Nolato plans to expand at its Baldwin location by adding more than 27,000 square feet to its existing facility, a project that includes the addition of two clean rooms as well as space for material handling and warehousing needs.
“A fundamental economic development strategy involves the retention and expansion of existing business and industry,” said William Rubin, executive director of the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation. “Nolato Contour is a strong corporate partner in Baldwin, in St. Croix County and across west central Wisconsin. We are delighted Nolato worked with state and local resources to ensure this major investment occurred in Baldwin.”
“A vital local economy grows when local businesses invest in the community,” added Tracy Carlson, administrator and clerk-treasurer of the Village of Baldwin. “Baldwin applauds Nolato Contour for continuing to be a partner and leader in economic growth in our community. This expansion is exciting for our community and local workforce.”
In addition to the 62 jobs expected to be created by the company, an economic modeling study estimates the project could indirectly generate 38 additional jobs in the region. The construction also could directly and indirectly support 76 jobs.
