Expansion Management

Eaton Expands Power Systems Unit in Wisconsin

Feb. 10, 2014

The projects, which will create 200 jobs over the next two years, will help company meet demand for utility, commercial and industrial power distribution solutions.

Adrienne Selko

Eaton (IW 1000/290) announced today that it will invest $54 million in its Waukesha-based Cooper Power Systems business in Wisconsin.

"This investment and expansion will provide new manufacturing technology and enhance our regional manufacturing capabilities to help us meet the increasing demand for our products by utility, commercial and industrial customers,” said Clayton Tychkowsky, president of Eaton’s Cooper Power Systems Division.

Eaton will expand its Badger Drive manufacturing plant and upgrade technology at its Badger Drive, North Street and Lincoln Avenue Power Systems plants. The facilities produce electrical equipment including three-phase transformers, substation transformers and voltage regulators for the safe, reliable distribution of electrical power.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is providing up to $1.36 million in tax credits for the project that could create as many as 200 jobs in the region over the next two years.

“Waukesha and the Milwaukee area offer a highly skilled workforce and play a vital role in the continued success of Eaton’s business,” said Tychkowsky.

Eaton, which employees 102,000 employs, had sales last year of $22 billion.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.