Stimulus propels Waukesha Electric expansion, 100 construction jobs

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu is in southeastern Wisconsin visiting a company that used tax credits from the economic stimulus bill to expand manufacturing.

Waukesha Electric Systems is adding 154,000 square feet to its plant to manufacture large, extra-high voltage power transformers. The company used $25 million in government tax credits for the $70 million expansion, including $12 million in stimulus money.

Chu said Waukesha Electric plays an important role in upgrading the country’s electricity distribution network, much of which is decades old.

The plant expansion, which involves about 100 construction jobs, is expected to be done by the end of the year. Waukesha Electric expects to add 250 employees over the next three years as production increases.