Huffcutt Concrete officially opened its new facility in Lake Hallie, Wisconsin. The $20 million project is expected to add 150 new jobs over the next five years.

The new facility will be a 77,000-square-foot, highly automated concrete wall panel production plant designed to meet the needs of an untapped concrete wall panel market in the U.S., as well as maintain Huffcutt’s current product lines. The company purchased 10 acres adjacent to its current facility in the Village of Lake Hallie for the development.

“Huffcutt’s new automated precast wall panel boasts technology and manufacturing processes never before seen in the U.S. This technology will bring quality and service to a new level, elevating innovation in precast. We are excited to bring a broad range of employment opportunities to the Chippewa Valley,” said Huffcutt President & CEO Brian Seubert.

WEDC is supporting the project by authorizing up to $1.25 million in state income tax credits over three years. The actual amount of tax credits Huffcutt will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period.

“In addition to the jobs created by this expansion, this project will allow Huffcutt to take advantage of a growing market and increased demand for its products,” said WEDC COO Tricia Braun. “The new facility also will bring modernized technology and innovation to Wisconsin, which will further strengthen our position as a leader in the manufacturing industry.”

Huffcutt Concrete was founded in Chippewa Falls in 1945 as a family-owned company, starting as a small plant that primarily provided septic tanks to nearby communities. In December 2015, the company was bought by current owner Brian Seubert. It has grown to offer a broad selection of precast concrete products. Huffcutt’s signature lines include architectural wall panels; small buildings; and agricultural, septic and specialty custom products.

In addition to the 150 jobs expected to be created by Huffcutt, economic modeling by WEDC estimates the project could indirectly generate 79 additional jobs in the region. Those 229 total new jobs are expected to generate $429,636 in annual state income taxes.