Manufacturing remains a major plank of the state's economy that is predicted to continue to grow.

According to a recent study by Grant Thornton LLP, more than 70 percent of Wisconsin's manufacturers plan to expand within the next three years. Nearly half of those surveyed will invest in high-technology manufacturing systems.

Manufacturing on the move

Kaysun, a custom plastic injection molder, expects the expansion to create 120 jobs over the next three years, while retaining the current work force of 120.

The city of Sturtevant, in Racine County, will be the home of a new manufacturing facility for Golden Books, a children's publishing leader.

In the Village of West Milwaukee,Kubenick MechanicalCompany received a $260,000 grant to further the redevelopment of a 43-acre industrial site so that a new light-manufacturing complex can be built. The new facility could create up to 225 jobs.

Virtual university brings real education
An array of technical colleges and universities around the state have enacted programs to ensure that Wisconsin maintains the level of workmanship needed by business.

One of the newest additions is the virtual National Technological University, also known as NTU.

The university is a consortium of 48 leading universities that cooperate to offer master's level and non-credit short courses via satellite communication. Currently, NTU courses are available through the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and in September of 1999, classes will be available at the Chippewa Valley Technology Center, which is currently under construction.

"This is a great opportunity for the community," said Fred Waedt, who heads the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's Executive and Professional Programs office. "It gives those enrolled a chance to excel close to home."

'Knowledge workers'
Other companies have expanded to take advantage of the state's educated work force.

EDS, a leader in global information services industry, announced in August that it would locate a new Satellite Solutions Center in La Crosse. The center will provide a broad spectrum of technology services in support of EDS' clients including those in manufacturing, communications and telecommunications.

"La Crosse has a well-educated work force, due in large part to the fine university and college resources in the immediate area," said Mike Hackett, manager of EDS' Minneapolis Solutions Center. "This base of employees will furnish us with the highly skilled and motivated 'knowledge workers' required to handle the sophisticated, high-tech positions that serve our global client base."