by Julie Rossman
Correspondent
The business campus of American Roller in Union Grove was a flurry of activity May 16 as the company broke ground on a new $5 million facility to be constructed adjacent to the American Roller – Plasma Coatings Company World Headquarters building, at 1400 13th Ave.
The new 52,000-square-foot building will replace the aging Arcotech Plant in Kansasville, transferring 29 jobs to Union Grove, with an additional 20 new jobs planned over the next five years.
Gov. Scott Walker, along with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester); Racine County Executive James Ladwig; Union Grove Village President Mike Aimone; American Roller executives, employees and community members, all gathered under a large tent on a chilly spring morning to celebrate the occasion.
American Roller President Dan Cahalane addressed the crowd, saying he was “humbled” by the company’s success. “Over the past two years, the company has doubled in size and has about 100 more employees,” Cahalane said.
He went on to say that American Roller also has brand new facilities in both Shanghai, China and Houston, Texas; has acquired a new company in Texas; and is now building a brand new building in Union Grove.
Cahalane says the company also has locations in Indiana, Tennessee and South Carolina; however, the main reason the company chose to stay in this area is because of the men and women who have worked at the Kansasville plant.
“They have a tremendous amount of know-how – we need their knowledge and their know-how,” Cahalane said.
Gov. Walker spoke to the crowd, touting the value of manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin. “Manufacturing provides some great opportunities going forward,” he said.
He had a message for young people, including a group of Union Grove High School students who were guests.
“I tell young people all the time: manufacturing jobs on average pay about 20-25 percent more than an average job in this state does,” Walker said. He added that these jobs are more likely to have benefits.
“There’re not just jobs,” he said. “These are good-paying careers.”
Walker was encouraged by the expansion of American Roller. “Hopefully this says to the next generation that this is a commitment not only to this company, but in this industry here in the state of Wisconsin,” Walker said.
Union Grove Village President Mike Aimone, after the ceremony, said the Village is very excited about the expansion of American Roller.
“They’ve been providing jobs for so many people in our community for so long,” Aimone said.
The project was two years in the making, according to Aimone. “I’m glad the day is finally here for the spade to hit the ground and get this going,” he said.
The new building is scheduled to be complete by November.
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