Why This Matters to Distributors: Wausau Supply is adding manufacturing capacity to support its national building products distribution network. The investment reflects what the company described as growing demand from dealers, builders and contractors.
Wausau Supply Co. plans to invest at least $41 million in a new manufacturing facility in West Branch, Michigan, expanding its operations there and creating an expected 92 jobs. The employee-owned building products manufacturer and distributor announced the project Oct. 8.
Based in Schofield, Wisconsin, Wausau Supply operates more than 20 distribution centers serving a territory that stretches from the Pacific Coast to the upper East Coast. The company combines manufacturing with distribution, supplying building products to dealers and serving demand from builders and contractors across its national footprint.
Its proprietary brands include Diamond Kote Siding Systems, ChamClad, Waudena Entrance Systems and Taylor Entrance Systems. The company also operates six manufacturing facilities.
The new 260,000-square-foot plant will increase production capacity and expand Wausau Supply’s presence in West Branch, where it employs 108 people. Starting wages for the new positions will be $22 an hour plus benefits, the company said.
“This facility lets us expand our manufacturing capabilities to meet real demand from our customers,” said Brian Miller, president and CEO of Wausau Supply. “Michigan’s skilled workforce and the strength of the partnerships we’ve built there gave us the confidence to invest for the long term.”
Wausau Supply considered other locations, including sites in Canada and at its Wisconsin headquarters, before choosing West Branch. The company cited the region’s workforce and partnerships supporting recruitment.
The project will receive a $575,000 performance-based grant through the Michigan Business Development Program. The announcement did not specify a construction schedule, an opening date or which products the plant will manufacture.
Founded in 1947, Wausau Supply is wholly employee-owned. Miller said the expansion would create additional ownership opportunities for employees as the company increases production.
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