The $64.8 million project at the Lake Wissota Business Park is expected to be complete in early 2018. The 72-acre parcel ultimately selected by the company is one of 17 sites in WEDC’s Certified In Wisconsin Program, which provides assurances that the property is development-ready.
“Our objective as a company is to grow, and we have a strong growth plan,” said Hugh Leasum, Executive Vice President & COO for Mills Fleet Farm. “The Chippewa Falls distribution center is a step in this development. Modernizing our supply chain will support the planned growth of future retail stores in Wisconsin and the Midwest. We are excited to be part of the Chippewa Valley, creating jobs for the area now, and in the future.”
As an incentive Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will provide the firm with a $1.5 million loan for its new distribution center. In addition to providing the loan, WEDC worked closely with the company and county and local officials to help identify the best site for the project.
In addition, the City of Chippewa Falls will contribute $10 million in tax increment financing to the project–$7.3 million in a financing grant, $1.29 million for the land purchase, and $1.41 million for sewer, water, and stormwater extensions.
“This project will provide an economic boost to Chippewa County, the region and the entire state,” said Barb LaMue, Vice President of Business and Community Development for WEDC, the state’s lead economic development organization. “It is also a testament to the strength of our Certified In Wisconsin Program, which has attracted development projects expected to create more than 1,900 jobs and generate $379 million in capital investment.”