Company will bring 80 new jobs

For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Matalco, Inc. has announced plans to construct a new aluminum facility in Wisconsin Rapids’ Rapids East Commerce Center.  The site was certified in 2013 by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Certified Sites program, promoted as “shovel-ready” for development in alignment with the city’s pro-business Grow Rapids initiative.

Matalco will invest $80 million to construct an 110,000 square-foot manufacturing plant and equip this new facility with the latest advanced technology to service both existing and prospective customers and expand market share. At full production capacity, the Wisconsin Rapids facility will employ 80 permanent, full-time personnel with annual production in excess of 230 million pounds of high-quality aluminum billet.

The announcement of Matalco’s investment in Wisconsin Rapids supports the continuing economic growth and diversity officials said today.

“After nearly a year of conversations, securing this investment and the great paying jobs for the City of Wisconsin Rapids required a focused, proactive approach involving state and local economic development partners,” said Mayor Zachary Vruwink. “This is a big win for us and further evidence that the City’s economy is diversifying with the addition of Matalco and a new business sector.”

The project and related incentives are pending city approval on the real estate sales and development agreements.

“This significant investment firmly demonstrates our continued and unwavering commitment to serve both our customers and prospective clients and expand our market share,” said Tom Horter, Matalco president. “After a lengthy selection process, we decided on Wisconsin Rapids as the site of our new plant because of its location relative to our market, its exceptional workforce, local investments in quality of life and the comprehensive incentive package and assistance provided from both the state and local levels. Overall, we are very excited to be part of this progressive community as this will bring new jobs and opportunities to the region.”