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Yaskawa American Expands Franklin, Wisconsin, Headquarters Operations

Area Development News Desk

06/19/2025

Robotics manufacturer Yaskawa American Inc. plans to expand its operations in Franklin, Wisconsin. The $180 million project is expected to create 700 jobs.

The investment will include the consolidation of operations into an 800,000-square-foot campus, located at the Franklin Business Park, which will include the company’s headquarters, training and lab building, manufacturing and packaging facilities and robotics and semiconductor production operations.

“The Drives & Motion Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. is proud to announce the unification of all its current manufacturing and office locations in Wisconsin and Illinois into a single, consolidated campus in Franklin,” said Mike Knapek, CEO of Yaskawa America, in a statement. “We take pride in our cutting-edge technology, our commitment to quality, and our world-class manufacturing, and we look forward to a strong future of growth and innovation in Franklin."

To support the project the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will offer up to $18 million in performance-based enterprise zone tax credits. Tax credits received depend on the number of jobs created and amount of capital investment.

“Yaskawa joins the growing roster of innovative global companies that are choosing to grow in Wisconsin,” noted WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “With their emphasis on advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge technology, they are a perfect fit for our state.”

Yaskawa America, Inc. is a manufacturer of industrial automation and robotics solutions known for AC drives, servo systems, machine controllers, and industrial robots. The company serves various industries including automotive, machine tool, solar, and HVAC.

“We’re delighted that Yaskawa has chosen Southeast Wisconsin for its expansion and for the new location of its North American headquarters,” added Gale Klappa, co-chair of Milwaukee 7 and chairman of the board of WEC Energy Group. “This exciting investment, announced today, is a testament to the region’s strengths in automation and advanced manufacturing.”

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