WAUWATOSA,
WI - July 16 - As part of the company's plans to shut down a Georgia facility
and consolidate its manufacturing operations, Briggs and Stratton Corp.
announced July 10 it will be hiring 220 full-time workers and 150 seasonal
workers at its Wauwatosa facility at 3300 N. 124th St.
After
the transition in early 2015, the Wauwatosa facility will be producing pressure
washers, tractors and snow throwers. The Journal Sentinel reported the company will
not have to expand the plant's footprint.
Alderman
Craig Wilson, whose district includes the facility, said the new jobs could
only mean good things for Wauwatosa, even if they don't all go to local
residents.
"It
will get more people familiar with Wauwatosa, and maybe they'll decide to buy
lunch in town," Wilson said. "Beyond that, one thing we're getting
better at is helping foster that culture of a strong business community."
Wilson
said city officials have in the past considered different visions for this more
industrial area of Wauwatosa. Redevelopment there could bring a higher density
of property value and therefore more tax revenue.
"There's
a tremendous amount of industrial space and I think we all know those spaces
aren't used the way they used to be," Wilson said. "It's something we
need to keep an eye on."
Although
the infusion of jobs does not bring a change in use or property value, Wilson
said he still thought it would be a valuable move for the community.
"This
is even better, in a sense," Wilson said. "Sure we have budgeting and
levy issues, but at the same time, any time you have a local business trying to
grow, it certainly benefits the community and reputation of Wauwatosa."
Rory Linnane http://www.wauwatosanow.com/
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