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w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m M a r c h 2 0 15 • I NSIGH T | 31 "ey could have gone anywhere. It was very competitive, not just in the Midwest but all over the country," says Mark Maley, public information manager for Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. "For us, the emphasis was to first retain the jobs, then get the expansion." WEDC will provide Agropur with $1.65 million in tax credits for the project, which the company will receive only if it retains the current 146 jobs at the facility, creates 20 more and makes a minimum $55 million capital investment in the Weyauwega plant. Maley says the state and region win on three levels: it retains the jobs, strengthens the state's dairy industry and creates additional opportunities for local businesses. "Anytime you get a $55 million investment, that's going to help local suppliers and local contractors," Maley says. More than the tax incentives, Maley says the access to local dairy farmers and the skill of its workforce played critical roles in keeping the plant in rural Waupaca County. Benoit downplayed the possibility the expanded production facilities might have been located elsewhere, but agreed the access to quality milk supplies was a definite strength of the area. "We have relationships that go back for many years," he says. Agropur acquired the Weyauwega plant in 2008 when it bought Trega Foods, which traces its roots in the area through the former Weyauwega Milk Products Co., founded in 1906 by Jacob Wagner. e expanded feta cheese production lines are expected to be ready for operation in 2016. "We are a leader in feta cheese production and this will allow us to maintain that leadership position," Simon says. "We are very excited about this investment and in the future of the Wisconsin dairy industry as it provides employment opportunities and a stable home for milk produced in the area." Download our FREE app and explore Waupaca County CAMP - PADDLE - FISH - HUNT - SHOP - PEDAL - SLIDE - SKI - SWIM - WALK - DINE Inspirational Leadership 2015 Doing it all: Getting Done What Matters Most Featuring Speaker Mark Thompson Sponsors: Wednesday, April 29 7:30 am - 12:00 noon Hilton City Center Crystal Ballroom 509 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI Smart Enough to Know... I should attend this event Smart Enough to Know... I should attend this event For more information: Visit tecmidwest.com or call Pat at 262/821-3340 St. Camillus printing & graphics