Putting pen to paper: Foxconn, Gov. Walker take next step for new manufacturing campus
Gov. Scott Walker
MILWAUKEE -- Gov. Scott Walker and Foxconn CEO Terry Gou on Thursday, July 27th signed a memorandum of understanding on a new manufacturing campus set to be built in southeast Wisconsin. The event took place at the Milwaukee Art Museum. It's a victory tour bringing Foxconn head, Terry Gou and Governor Walker back to Wisconsin.
"We obviously had a great announcement yesterday at the White House. But it is good to be home. Good to be home in southeast Wisconsin," said Walker.
Gou says friendly, hardworking people and the state's leadership landed the deal. The deal Wisconsin signed with Foxconn requires the State Legislature to pass a $3 billion incentive package no later than Sept. 30. It says Foxconn commits to investing $10 billion in the state and create 13,000 jobs over six years, with an average salary of nearly $54,000.
Foxconn CEO Terry Gou, Gov. Scott Walker sign memorandum of understanding for new manufacturing campus in Wisconsin
Wisconsin promises to extend $3 billion in tax breaks, but the Legislature must approve those. The Republican-controlled Legislature is expected to consider them in a special session next month.
CLICK HERE to take a look at the memorandum of understanding.
Governor Walker says a FOX6 story of people viewing Wednesday's announcement made him emotional.
"What touched me the most, what I'm not afraid to admit it made me cry a little bit this morning, was to see them cheer as we announced a $10 billion investment in their community in their region -- That's what it's all about," Walker said.
Walker and Gou noted the symbolism of the wings has special significance because the project to bring Foxconn to Wisconsin was called "Flying Eagle." The art museum building is a white, winged-shaped structure designed by Santiago Calatrava that sits on Lake Michigan.
Foxconn CEO Terry Gou, Gov. Scott Walker celebrating memorandum of understanding for new manufacturing campus in Wisconsin
No site has been selected yet, but Foxconn is eyeing the southeast part of the state.
The deal calls for buying at least 1,000 acres of land and expediting the permit process to facilitate construction of the plant by 2020.
Transition to highly-skilled labor force
Now that Wisconsin has landed the coveted Foxconn plant, it will need to quickly transition to a more highly-skilled workforce than the assembly lines that established the state's manufacturing legacy.
The electronics giant known for making Apple products in China Foxconn has not said what type of jobs it will offer in order to produce liquid-crystal display panels that are used in televisions and computer screens. But some of the higher-end positions could be for engineers and software developers and those jobs aren't always easy to fill.
Foxconn on Wednesday announced plans to build a $10 billion factory in southeastern Wisconsin that officials say can transform the state's economy.