In a once bustling warehouse in Sheboygan, two large machines now chug along. Once, the building house thousands of employees. Now, it has 15.
But small start-up Invento is producing something you've probably never seen.
It's a plastic can.
"This is disruptive technology," explained Bill Brandell, the President and Managing Partner of Invento Americas, Inc.
The technology comes from a Polish firm and has launched in Europe. Now Brandell and his team are bringing the innovation to the United States. He said it's a technology companies have worked on since the '90s.
"There had been multiple attempts to bring the technology but for different reasons, didn't quite have the solution," he said.
Brandell believes this is it. And believes Sheboygan is the perfect place to produce this innovative drink container.
He said he's never seen a truer example of Midwestern work ethic. Brandell takes pride in using local plumbers and electricians, hiring people who he said show up whenever there's work to be done.
"We're supporting each other," said Brandell.
Matt McLaughlin, the plant manager, takes pride in being able to hire Sheboygan workers. He said the combination of a new, exciting technology and a plant where many have roots has made hiring competitive.
"The very first person I hired was worked in this plant for almost 30 years, so he was very excited to come back. So, the word has spread through that community," said McLaughlin.
