MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Tool, one of the fastest-growing companies in the region, is looking to expand its operations in downtown Milwaukee.
The plan could mean as many as 1,200 additional jobs going to downtown Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Tool’s Chief Financial Officer, Ty Staviski, shared the following statement with TMJ4 News:
“As we continue to grow our presence here in southeastern Wisconsin, we are looking into additional space to expand our corporate operations. A site in downtown Milwaukee is our first choice. At this time, we have no other details to share.”
"Milwaukee is our first choice, " said Staviski.
The possibility of hundreds of people moving into an empty building on 5th and Michigan has other downtown businesses excited.
When Jose Lazo opened his restaurant 15 months ago on James Lovell, he was expecting Bucks fans to pack his place, that is until the pandemic hit.
"It's been kind of rough, but we've been able to stay afloat, " said Lazo.
His patience may pay off. Just around the corner from his business, Milwaukee Tool is looking to take over a vacant building as part of its plans to expand.
Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce President, Tim Sheehy, tells TMJ4's Charles Benson it could be a big win for the city.
"This is not about shifting jobs from one place in Milwaukee to another," said Sheehy. "These are about 1,200 new jobs in a building they are going to make a significant investment in, and you really couldn't ask for a better story."
Their story is well known in Milwaukee. The company's drills and hand tools can be found on just about any construction site.
Sales have grown 400% since 2011, adding 1,100 jobs to its Brookfield headquarters, according to our partners at the Milwaukee Business Journal.
Milwaukee Tool and the city are working on getting a financial package approved to expand.
Milwaukee Tool is drilling down on this deal as quickly as possible. Sheehy says they want to be in by fall.
"They are recruiting young engineers that are really hard to recruit, and downtown Milwaukee is a great place for these young engineers to work," says Sheehy.
At Lazo's Taco, the sooner the better.
"We are happy to hear the great news for our lunch hour, dinner hour," said Lazo.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was happy to hear about the reported expansion.
“Milwaukee Tool is part of this city’s history, and it’s certainly part of our future,” Barrett said. “I enthusiastically welcome Milwaukee Tool, and I am delighted Milwaukee is their first choice as they look to expand their corporate operations within the region.”
