ST. FRANCIS, WI – Wixon Inc., a manufacturer of custom taste solutions for food, beverage and nutrition companies, is planning $15 million expansion in St. Francis.
The company plans to expand its manufacturing and packaging operations “after experiencing increasing demands and a growing market for its products,” according to a press release.
“With projected compound annual growth of 45 percent on top of over 50 percent growth last year, it was clear that we would need more room for success,” said Peter Gottsacker, president of Wixon and Gott Pet Products.
“Additional supply chain facilities were also needed because of the success of Gott Pet Products, a separate Wisconsin–owned family business. Gott Pet Products sells dog treats under the brand name of Charlee Bear Dog Treats and the Hound and Gatos line of dry and wet dog and cat food.”
Project plans include purchasing a 100,000 square foot facility located in the airport industrial park for manufacturing and purchasing new machinery and tooling. Wixon owns and maintains several buildings on the campus, but the ability to physically expand its operations is limited due to its proximity to the surrounding buildings.
The company “is taking a creative approach to its operational footprint through adaptive reuse of the existing buildings,” according to the release. In addition to supporting widespread growth, the segregated expansion will also further support the Gott Pet Products line.
The project is expected to create 40 jobs over three years.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the project by authorizing up to $200,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Wixon will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created.