Chippewa County manufacturers to receive tax credits

Two Chippewa County technology firms will receive $250,000 and $150,000, respectively, in tax credits from Wisconsin’s Technology Zone program.

Under the program, tax credits are awarded to businesses in eight zones statewide that are commercializing technology or using advanced manufacturing techniques to retain or create jobs in Wisconsin.

Rex Systems Inc., of Chippewa Falls, a manufacturer of military electronic parts including assemblies to repair and maintain radar, submarine sonar and other high-reliability systems, will receive $250,000 in tax credits.

The project will create 32 new high-technology positions over the first three years of the project and will retain 31 positions. Using its military electronics experience, the company will work on getting to market a first responder communicator for emergency and medical staff, according to Jon Myre, company president.

Advanced Laser Machining of Chippewa Falls, which laser-cuts custom metal parts for machinery and manufacturing, was chosen to receive $150,000 in tax credits. The company has doubled the size of its plant to allow stamp metal work as well as laser cutting, according to company spokesperson Cheryl Numke. The company hopes to expand its market niche by providing a CNC punchpress for custom metal work, she said. The company’s clients include airports, truck manufacturers and other markets. The project will create 13 new positions and retain approximately 35 positions.

Wisconsin’s Technology Zone program, announced by Governor Jim Doyle in 2002, has awarded 34 projects a total of $6.6 million in tax credits through this July.