Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Rex Systems Incorporated of Hallie will receive $250,000 in Technology Zone tax credits from the Department of Commerce to assist the company as it invests over $16 million to research and develop a First Responder Communications System. The Governor also announced that Advanced Laser Machining, Inc. will receive $150,000 in Technology Zone tax credits to help the company expand its facility in Chippewa Falls.

"Through my ‘Grow Wisconsin’ plan, we are working hard to foster the growth of businesses statewide, create high-wage, high-end jobs for our citizens, and build a strong economy from the ground up," Governor Doyle said. "We have much more to do, but it’s clear that our hard work is starting to pay off. In the past 12 months, we’ve created more jobs than any of our Midwestern neighbors. Today, I am pleased that we are taking the next steps by helping these two companies undertake these projects and create new jobs for Chippewa County."

Rex Systems Incorporated is a manufacturer of military electronic spare/repair parts and smaller systems-level equipment. The project will create 32 new high-technology positions over the first three years of the project and will retain 31 current positions.

"The development of the First Responder Communicator is an important new direction for Rex Systems Incorporated that will allow us to take our military electronics expertise and apply it to a commercial area with global possibilities," said Jon Myre, President of Rex Systems Incorporated. "The Technology Zone tax credits will strengthen our ability to compete and succeed in a demanding marketplace."

Advanced Laser Machining will invest $2 million to expand and equip its facility in Chippewa Falls. The project will create 13 new positions and retain approximately 35 positions. Advanced Laser Machining specializes in carbon dioxide laser cutting for mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The company also offers complete fabrication capabilities, including CNC forming, robotic welding, assembly, sawing, punching, and fabricating. It also uses a state-of-the-art laser cutting center that was the first of its kind in Wisconsin.

"The I-94 Corridor Technology Zone program was instrumental in our expansion planning," said John Walton, President of Advanced Laser Machining Inc. "It allows us to invest in equipment and employee training, to continue to grow our business in the Chippewa Valley."

Wisconsin’s Technology Zone program is an economic development initiative that helps stimulate the growth of businesses that are locating or expanding in one of eight technology zones statewide. Under the program, tax credits are made available to businesses that are commercializing technology or using advanced manufacturing techniques to retain or create jobs in Wisconsin.

Both companies are located in the 1-94 Corridor Technology Zone, which provides incentives for high-tech growth in biotechnology, information technologies, computer and electronic technologies, and telecommunications, and utilities, among others. The zone includes the counties of Chippewa, Eau Claire, Dunn, St. Croix, Polk, and Pierce.

For more information about the Technology Zone program, contact Amy Cumblad at Commerce at 608-266-2688