NEW BERLIN — A major investment in American manufacturing is headed to New Berlin.
Rockwell Automation announced plans to build a new greenfield manufacturing site in New Berlin as part of a $2 billion investment over the next five years in plants, digital infrastructure and talent. The company, known globally for industrial automation and digital transformation, confirmed the new facility will be located in New Berlin, just miles from its Milwaukee headquarters.
“This project reflects Rockwell’s commitment to American manufacturing and underscores our partnership with the communities where we live and work. We will continue to work with state and local officials to finalize next steps,” said Dawn Matson, a Rockwell Automation representative.
The new campus will be built on a site offering strong access to regional transportation, infrastructure and utilities. While the exact location has not yet been released, company officials said more details will come during the city’s formal application and approval process.
The New Berlin project is the latest step in a strategy the company announced in November.
“The project marks the next step in the company’s previously announced $2 billion investment in plants, digital infrastructure, and talent to grow share, build resilience, and expand margins over the next five years. The facility has the potential to be Rockwell’s largest manufacturing campus globally, with a significant footprint and the flexibility to scale operations,” a previous news release said.
At more than 1 million square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space, the facility is expected to become a showcase for modern production. Plans call for advanced automation, robotics and digital systems, including artificial intelligence and analytics tools, designed to boost efficiency, precision and performance.
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“Designing a new facility presents the opportunity to create the future of industrial operations, with highly orchestrated production,” said Blake Moret, chairman and CEO at Rockwell Automation in a previous statement. “We are expanding our U.S. manufacturing footprint with advanced production capability that supports growth and performance with the latest Rockwell technologies and solutions.”
“It will integrate the latest in Rockwell’s production technologies, including AI and analytics tools, to increase efficiency and precision, while providing team members with access to advanced tools and training. I’m excited to see our highly skilled workforce maximize the potential of this site,” said Bob Buttermore, chief supply chain officer at Rockwell Automation previously in a statement. “This investment reflects our confidence in our teams that deliver excellence every day.”
Governor Tony Evers praised the expansion.
“Rockwell Automation has been leading the way with high-quality manufacturing and technology solutions for over a century. We’re incredibly proud of that tradition and how they’ve continued to exemplify the innovation and excellence that Wisconsin is known for, and we are excited to celebrate their continued growth and success in our state,” Evers previously said in a statement. “I want to thank Rockwell Automation for their ongoing commitment to Wisconsin, our workforce, and our communities, and I look forward to seeing how this newest expansion will accelerate our statewide goals of building a 21st-century workforce and economy.”
Construction and site planning are already underway in coordination with local and state officials. Additional details are expected as the project moves forward.
The Freeman wants to hear from residents, business owners, organizations on a response to the news. Email News Editor Karen Pilarski at kpilarski@conleynet.com.