Area Development
A designer, manufacturer and marketer of commercial laundry equipment used in laundromats, multi-housing laundries and on-premise laundries, Alliance Laundry Systems, plans a $23 million expansion at its Ripon, Wisconsin, manufacturing facility, with estimates of creating 270 jobs.

The expansion is expected to increase small chassis washer and dryer production capacity at Alliance Laundry's Ripon facility by more than 40 percent, with construction expected to begin in September 2012 and be complete by the third quarter of 2013.

"This decision is a measure of our commitment to manufacturing in the United States and in the great State of Wisconsin," said Michael Schoeb, President and CEO of Alliance Laundry. "It is also a testament to the quality, dedication and unmatched work ethic we find in the local labor force. We believe that having strong manufacturing capabilities at our Ripon facility is essential to serving the evolving needs of our customers. Throughout this process, we have found officials at all levels of government, both at the state and local levels, to be strong partners in business development and thank them for their enthusiasm and support.

"Alliance Laundry's growth is a Wisconsin success story and is another example of the competitive advantages and positive business climate in the state," said Governor Scott Walker. "Alliance Laundry has determined that Ripon is one of the best places to be. This expansion builds on the company's recent years of success to take advantage of new opportunities."

As an incentive to assist the company's $23 million expansion, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation approved up to $1.5 million in tax credits, and the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation County Special Allocation Revolving Loan Fund provided a $500,000 performance-based loan.

"The expansion of Alliance Laundry is a major economic development project for Fond du Lac County and Ripon made possible by the foresight of the County for passing the economic development county sales tax program in 2009," said Allen Buechel, Fond du Lac County Executive. "As a result there have been several other important job creation projects that have been funded."