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Politics & Government

Gov. Scott Walker Lauds Sussex Business For Equipment Investment, Hiring Plan

Walker makes visit to Bevco Engineering, which made a $680,000 investment in new equipment and plans to hire 21 new employees.

Gov. Scott Walker on Thursday lauded Bevco Engineering Company for its commitment to the state and its willingness to stay competitive as the small firm announced the creation of at least 21 jobs. 

Walker made a morning visit to the small company located in a business park just off Silver Spring Drive, where he congratulated the firm for making a recent $680,000 equipment investment and the announcement of hiring more employees.

"They're not just jobs, they're families," Walker said to about three dozen attendees. "When the husband or wife, the son or daughter … gets a job, it has an impact on the whole family and the community." 

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The investment in equipment sends a message to other companies throughout Wisconsin that small manufacturing has a commitment to the state, Walker added. 

"During the past year, we have worked hard to lower the overall tax burden in this state particularly when it comes to manufacturing," he continued. 

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As a result of the investment, the company is eligible for up to $120,000 in tax credits through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, according to the Walker administration. 

Walker also commended the state's work force, saying it is full of people who work hard every day, have the correct skill set and are dedicated. 

"That's what makes us great, that's what makes this company grow and that is why we are so thrilled to be here today," he said, standing on the shop floor with a microphone in his hand.   

Before introducing the governor to employees, members of their family and a few local dignitaries, Bevco Engineering CEO Christopher Shult said he has hired nine new employees and plans to hire at least 12 more. 

"To have the governor here is just another sign of the support that the state provides small businesses," Shult said after his remarks, holding a set of electrical wires in his hands and explaining what the company does to visitors. 

Shult was one of Walker's biggest contributors from the village, during his successful bid to stave off recall this spring. His company, with 50 employees, makes custom electrical controls for industrial, municipal and material handling applications.  

"I like what he is doing, it means a lot to us that he's here," said Taurus Kuykendall, an 15-year employee at the company, as he held a photo of him with Walker that he had the governor sign.  

After his brief remarks in the work space of the small electrical engineering firm, the Republican governor shook hands and chatted with employees and their family members. 

"The bottom line is Chris had to stick his neck out and invest a lot of money in order to get something done here. In today's world, if you're not one of the players, you're one of the watchers," said Charlie Schoenauer, 78, the company's first employee about 48 years ago. 

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