Speaker Ryan: "Stay tuned" for Foxconn update; Wall Street Journal reports company will choose Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE -- Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn is close to announcing that it has has chosen Wisconsin to build a new U.S. factory, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday, July 24th.

Citing three unnamed people, the newspaper said Foxconn could make announcements in Washington, D.C. and Wisconsin as soon as this week. Workers at the plant, which has been the topic of intense speculation for weeks, would build display panels for flat screen televisions.

During a visit to MillerCoors on Monday, a reporter asked House Speaker Paul Ryan whether he had any insight into Foxconn's plans.

"I do, and stay tuned," Ryan said, smiling. "I'll let the governor, who has been the quarterback on this Foxconn negotiation, give you more about that later."

Gov. Scott Walker's spokesman did not respond to an email requesting comment. Walker is under a nondisclosure agreement with Foxconn, and has been tight-lipped about the potential development.

Last week, two state lawmakers said a deal between Foxconn and Wisconsin could happen by the end of July and that Walker's administration and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation were negotiating with the Taiwanese company.

The Legislature may have to approve an incentives package outside the state budget, the lawmakers told FOX6 News.

That confirmation followed a series of closed-door meetings in Racine County, including one that referenced an "economic development opportunity" in the Village of Mount Pleasant, where Foxconn is said to be looking.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the company is eyeing suburban Detroit for a second facility.

WISN/1130AM talk host Mark Belling said Monday on his radio show that Foxconn would make its announcement on Thursday at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Amanda Peterson, a spokeswoman for the facility, said it was the museum's policy not to comment on private events and said such events were booked every night this week.

"We appreciate the fact that you all have interest in the fact that Foxconn, a leader in international business, would be interested in coming to southeastern Wisconsin, but I cannot confirm any details of that right now," Walker told reporters in Sturtevant last week.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.