Governor Doyle Announces $700,000 in Dairy Plant Investment Tax Credits

By: Tony Hozeny, Wisconsin Department of Commerce

MONROE - Governor Jim Doyle today announced that 25 dairy manufacturers will share $700,000 in Dairy Plant Investment Tax Credits. The projects, which have already been completed, totaled $51 million in expenditures and will generate 237 jobs. Governor Doyle made the announcement today as part of his visit to communities in southwest Wisconsin including Monroe, Darlington, Spring Green and Mineral Point to discuss investments in dairy modernization, specialty cheese production, drinking water infrastructure, and grazing.

"Despite the economic hurdles we are all facing right now, I am confident that agriculture will continue to be an industry that defines Wisconsin and serve as a foundation for our economy," Governor Doyle said. "I am committed to providing farmers, producers, and communities with the tools they need make this happen."

The Dairy Manufacturing Facility Expenditures Credit represents up to a maximum of 10 percent of the amount paid in the taxable year for dairy manufacturing modernization or expansion related to the claimant’s dairy manufacturing operation. Eligible expenditures include building construction, building additions, upgrades to utilities, milk intake and storage equipment, processing and manufacturing equipment, packaging and handling equipment, warehouse equipment, waste treatment and waste management equipment, and computer software and hardware used for managing the dairy manufacturing operation.

The following Manitowoc County dairy manufacturers have received DPITC:

Henning Cheese, Inc., Schleswig, $14,638
Henning Cheese, Inc. is known for its Cheddar and Colby cheese and also its production of "Mammoth Cheddars," wheels of cheese that can range in size from 75 to 1,200 pounds. It has 23 employees. The project included the construction of an addition to the existing plant to provide additional warehouse and office space, and the installation of upgraded power to the plant. The project will create three jobs and totals $461,722 in eligible expenditures.

Saxon Homestead Creamery, Cleveland, $4,875
Saxon Homestead Creamery produces artisan and specialty cheeses. The project included a build-out of unused space to add aging space for cheese in-processing and to run the plant to the full capacity of its current production room. The project will create three jobs and represents $153,771 in eligible expenditures.

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