What Products Are Made in Northeast Wisconsin?
Northeast Wisconsin is home to one of the highest manufacturing concentrations in the nation, producing a diverse range of goods. Ahead, learn more about some of the companies behind the products and see what is made in Northeast Wisconsin.
In This Article
1. AriensCo
Based in Brillion, AriensCo is a privately owned manufacturer of outdoor power equipment for consumer and commercial markets. Established in 1933, the family-owned company, which now has a global presence, employs 950 people in Wisconsin. “We love the Wisconsin workforce and are committed to remaining in Brillion,” says Tara Perre, AriensCo director of marketing, communications and PR. “Wisconsinites have an amazing work ethic.”
2. Carron Net Co.
A fourth-generation family-owned business, Carron manufactures 100% nylon netting for numerous sports and industrial applications. The company comes from humble beginnings in 1933 when Edward Carron and his son, Norman, made fishing nets in their kitchen at home in Two Rivers and sold them locally. Today, the company’s sports nets are sold at sporting goods companies throughout North America.
3. Fincantieri Marine Group
Fincantieri, a global leader in complex shipbuilding, operates in the U.S. through its subsidiary Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG). FMG oversees three Northeast Wisconsin shipyards in Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay and Marinette, manufacturing military vessels for the U.S. Navy, commercial vessels, and high-quality small boats and modular products for U.S. government customers. “Northeast Wisconsin offers Fincantieri a tremendous advantage,” says Eric Dent, senior director of communications for FMG. “With our three shipyards on Lake Michigan, each can support the others depending on the project.”
4. Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, Shop & Le Café
In Washington Island, Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, Shop & Le Café boasts 20,000 lavender plants of 12 varieties. During peak season, 25 people work for the company. Its line of more than 300 products is made by select vendors in the United States, all using the company’s therapeutic-grade lavender essential oil.
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5. Jolly Good Soda
Jolly Good Soda, the winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin’s 2024 WMC competition, launched in 1966. Though customers across the U.S. enjoy its bold flavors, the company remains committed to manufacturing its beverages in Wisconsin. The soda line is produced by Krier Foods, which is located in Random Lake.
6. KI
KI, headquartered in Green Bay, operates six manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Canada. Four of its manufacturing facilities reside in Wisconsin, producing conference tables, cafeteria tables, auditorium seating, classroom chairs, architectural walls and more. The furniture company’s product portfolio can be seen in showrooms across the U.S. as well as in Toronto, London and China.
7. Kohler
Kohler Co., a global company best known for its kitchen and bathroom products, was founded in Sheboygan in 1873. It later moved to Riverside, which is now called Kohler Village. While Kohler’s manufacturing has spread out, many of its products are still made in the region, including cast iron tubs, cast iron sinks and toilets.
8. Medalcraft Mint Inc.
In Green Bay, Medalcraft Mint custom builds medallions, challenge coins and commemoratives for corporate, education, military, law enforcement and special event customers. Founded in 1948, what started as a two-man collaboration has evolved into a world leader in the die-struck award and custom challenge coin industry.
9. Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats
While Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats distributes its products nationwide, they are still made in Wittenberg. The company began in 1933 when R.C. Nueske couldn’t find smoked meats as good as those his family made and decided to market his around Northern Wisconsin. Though the production process has modernized, the company still uses family recipes.
10. Plexus Corp.
Plexus Corp., whose global headquarters are in Neenah, partners with leading aerospace, health care and industrial companies to design, manufacture and service transformative products, including advanced surgical systems, mission-critical aerospace systems and electric vehicle charging solutions.
Plexus employs 20,000+ team members worldwide throughout 26 global facilities, including nearly 2,000 people in Wisconsin. “Our commitment to Wisconsin is evident in the four facilities we operate here – our global headquarters, a design center and two manufacturing facilities,” says Todd Kelsey, president and CEO of Plexus Corp.
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