Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
Photo by Grace Kirchner Gov. Scott Walker congratulates Carol Oestreich on Specialized Products’ 20th year in manufacturing during a visit to the Clintonville plant Tuesday. Shown, from left, are Chris Oestreich, Scott Witt, Carol Oestreich, Wayne Oestreich, Walker and Lori Schmidt.
Gov. Scott Walker stopped in Clintonville on Tuesday to tour Specialized Products Ltd. to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary and talk with employees about the importance of manufacturing in Wisconsin.
Specialized Products has added jobs and completed three expansion and upgrade projects at the facility since 2011.
“I applaud Specialized Products for their 20 years of service in the manufacturing industry,” Walker said. “Manufacturing is a top driver of our economy, and companies like Specialized Products are key to growing and keeping jobs in Wisconsin. We will continue our work to support our job creators with tax relief, streamlined regulations and investments in training skilled workers.”
Specialized Products, 200 Summer St., has been involved in the electrical assembly contract manufacturing industry since 1994. The company’s 134 employees produce wire harnesses, cable assemblies and wire managers.
The company’s 14-acre site in the North Industrial Park includes more than 75,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space.
“Specialized Products is proud to be a part of the manufacturing industry in Clintonville,” said Chris Oestreich, company president. “Specialized Products is excited about the direction Gov. Scott Walker is taking the state of Wisconsin, and we look forward to continued growth and adding to our experienced workforce.”
Walker toured the plant and presented owners Wayne and Carol Oestreich with a plaque proclaiming Tuesday as Specialized Products Day in Wisconsin.
“We want to create a climate for anyone who wants to work can find work,” Walker said. “We want our veterans to find meaningful employment.”
He noted the state Legislature recently approved more than $35 million for job training, with most of it going to technical colleges that train workers for manufacturers such a Specialized Products. Walker signed the job training bill into law last week.