GREENDALE — Foxconn is working to get their name in the minds of future college graduates.
They held an open house at Marquette University Monday. Representatives with the Taiwanese company demonstrated the versatility of their LCD screens that can be used in many fields that include medicine and aviation.
The goal is for this excitement to bump the number of graduates who choose to stay in-state.
“We want students to come here and see how livable it is in Milwaukee and now when they come and see some of the opportunities here in Wisconsin,” said Chris Jenkins of Marquette University.
T-shirts were also given out for free with Gov. Scott Walker’s tagline: “Wisconn Valley.”
Foxconn’s arrival does not seem so far away for many businesses that could benefit.
Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch toured businesses that have already bid to become possible Foxconn suppliers.
Kinetic in Greendale just put in their bid last month to potentially help make Foxconn’s machines that create their 8K technology.
There is one hurdle the owner sees for his own business in the future. The need for thousands of additional skilled workers.
He says he already has about ten positions he has not been able to fill, for weeks.
“That’s going to deplete the pool of people we currently have available to work and that’s a concern and will be our biggest struggle to grow,” said Jared Masters, President of Kinetic.
Kleefisch said they are working on a solution.
“Working together. So there is one point person, and one liaison, and we're going to work as a team in order to get Foxconn’s needs,” Kleefisch said.
The owner of Kinetic told TODAY’S TMJ4 he has also brought up his concerns to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan as well.
Kleefisch pointed out the importance of getting talented future graduates, “Hooked on Wisconsin.”
