Welcoming Foxconn to Wisconsin
Overlooking Fortaleza Hall at S.C. Johnson headquarters.
Last Friday, November 10th, S.C. Johnson CEO Fisk Johnson and the S.C. Johnson team hosted the historic signing of the Foxconn Technology Group contract, bringing a projected $10 billion investment, 20 million + square feet, and up to 13,000 high tech jobs to southeastern Wisconsin.
Foxconn Founder and Chaiman Terry Gou addresses the group. Seated left to right: President Trump assistant Reed Cordish, SCJ CEO Fisk Johnson, Speaker Ryan, Governor Walker.
Johnson opened the event held in Fortaleza Hall of their Racine headquarters. It is an inspiring venue, paying tribute to Sam Johnson’s pioneering spirit and the Sikorsky S-38 amphibious plane he flew in the 1930s to South China in search of waxes that helped to build the company into the cleaning products giant it is today. It was here, in the halls of a 131-year old, family run business, that the contract was signed by Governor Scott Walker and Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou.
The juxtaposition of these two companies – one a historic family business and longtime pillar of the community, the other a high-tech Taiwanese company – was amazing. Although they may seem very different, they are equal in their spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. What a fitting location to welcome our new neighbor.
Terry Gou and Governor Walker sign the agreement.
House Speaker Paul Ryan and others were also on hand for a round of speeches. The panel was enthusiastic about the jobs this project will bring to the area, and many comments were made to describe the size of the plant, which will be, roughly, “the size of 15 Lambeau Fields.” Gou also previewed some of the technology that will be manufactured at the plant, centered around 8k resolution and 5g network technology. Applications for this type of technology will be found in televisions and endoscopic healthcare equipment, as well as high level facial recognition for surveillance systems.
Governor Walker presents Terry Gou with a Wisconsin license plate.
The Foxconn deal is the biggest development deal in our state’s history. It’s exciting to think about what this could mean for southeastern Wisconsin.
