MADISON – With Emmi Roth’s construction of a new artisanal cheese plant in Platteville underway, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) today announced it is providing the company up to $500,000 in tax credits and a $600,000 loan to assist in the expansion. The company is expected to employ about 32 people, with a possible expansion to as many as 60 full-time positions.
“This partnership involving WEDC, Platteville Area Industrial Development Corporation and the city of Platteville is an important investment to boost Wisconsin’s dairy industry and its significant contribution to Wisconsin’s economy,” said Governor Scott Walker. “
“This project adds value to Wisconsin’s milk production. It positions Wisconsin as the leading artisanal cheese state, and it adds jobs to southwestern Wisconsin,” said Paul Jadin, CEO/Secretary of WEDC.
The Swiss-based Emmi-Roth Kase broke ground this spring in the Platteville Industrial Park on a new 77,000 square-foot facility. The company will invest approximately $43 million in the expansion. The company will produce Grand Cru cheese, a type of Gruyere. This product recently won a number of top awards at the International Cheese Competition held in Madison, Wis.
The tax credits will be distributed annually in direct relation to the number of jobs retained over a three-year period, based on the number of new, full-time positions created. The low interest forgivable loan is for seven years and is based on number of jobs employed. The loan also requires that 80 percent of the milk come from Wisconsin dairy producers.
Source: Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
