UPDATE: Polaris makes jobs announcement in Osceola

• Image

Scott Walker

Talk about it

Gov. Scott Walker visited Osceola Thursday afternoon to announce 89 new jobs being added at Polaris Industries.

Polaris Industries is eligible for $595,000 in economic development tax credits through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Walker said, creating up to 89 jobs related to the company’s expansion in Osceola.

“This is another great jobs victory for Wisconsin,” said Walker. “We are pleased that Polaris Industries selected its plant in Osceola for this business investment when it could have considered its other locations in Iowa and Minnesota.”

Polaris Industries is planning to renovate and purchase new testing equipment at its facility in Osceola. The expansion is driven by a recent acquisition of Indian Motorcycles, GEM (Electrical neighborhood vehicles) and other new product lines Polaris is going to be entering into.

The company is expected to add highly skilled jobs such as new product developers, testing engineers and purchasing managers, Walker said.

The tax credits will be distributed annually in direct relation to the number of new, full-time positions created and filled over a three-year period.

Following the jobs announcement, State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf issued a statement.

"I am thrilled with the news that Polaris has chosen to invest in its Osceola plant, resulting in the potential of 89 new family-supporting jobs," she said. "The hard work and support of the Osceola community in attracting jobs and businesses in recent years should be commended. Polaris’ decision recognizes the value of the workforce in our area and the efforts to improve our state’s business climate."

State Rep. Erik Severson (R-Star Prairie) also applauded the news.

“Wisconsin’s economy has been gaining strength the last several months and it is exciting to see that growth right here in Osceola," he said. “This session we made a lot of strides by passing of 50 pieces of job legislation that will help the private sector to create jobs. This is only just the beginning."

Severson said every new job is a great thing for Wisconsin.

"It is great to see Polaris coming back to Osceola with family supporting jobs that will help to boost our local economy," Severson said. "As long as we continue to get government out of the way so that the private sector can create jobs, will we continue to see announcements like this throughout the state and the 28th district."

The governor also returned to the Siren area later in the day to follow up on ongoing efforts to clean up fallen timber and address the resulting spring fire potential.

“Ever since the storm toppled trees across the region last summer, the Wisconsin National Guard, local elected officials, numerous state agencies and citizens have come together and taken action,” Walker said. “I commend them for their ongoing, collaborative efforts to remove fallen trees and address the current fire hazard.”

The governor, accompanied by Department of Natural Resources forestry and fire-control staff, received an update on wildfire suppression plans and get an overview of the fire equipment, including air tankers, which will be used to control fires.

There was also a demonstration drop of 800 gallons of fire retardant or water by a privately owned and operated firefighting aircraft. Called a SEAT (single engine air tanker), these aircraft are currently under contract and stationed in Wisconsin. They can be airborne within minutes to assist ground crews.

A powerful wind storm in July 2011 leveled trees in six northwestern counties, impacting more than 130,000 acres. Above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation have now increased the fire threat.

Tags: area news, business, wisconsin, politics