MADISON, WI. -- One of the biggest employers in the Wisconsin Northwoods is expanding its operations with an eye toward ensuring further growth for the company — and the community.
AirPro is investing more than $1 million in its Rhinelander industrial fan and blower manufacturing facility to streamline its manufacturing processes, reduce transportation between facilities, and create 18 new jobs.
“We believe being on time is important, so if we have a ship date, we want to hit it,” said Matthew Parsons, AirPro cost accountant. “The new equipment allows us to hit those ship dates without delays.”
AirPro offers custom and pre-engineered industrial-duty centrifugal fans, blowers and accessories. The company has four facilities across Rhinelander.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the project by authorizing up to $90,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits AirPro will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period.
“AirPro’s continued investment strengthens Rhinelander as the primary manufacturing hub for the Northwoods,” said John W. Miller, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s leading economic development organization. “New job opportunities in small communities like Rhinelander can have big impacts and create an environment where everyone can thrive.”
As AirPro has continued to grow, the company’s products have expanded with it. Historically, AirPro was known for manufacturing large, custom fans, but they have since successfully transitioned to simpler, smaller fans. The project will directly serve the industry’s needs for smaller fans and is estimated to allow for growth potential up to $60 million.
AirPro has been 100% employee-owned since 2016 and is set up as an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). The decision came after founder Keith White Sr. was approached with several purchase offers, but he ultimately chose to sell the company to its employees, ensuring that AirPro would always stay in Rhinelander and continue creating jobs there.
AirPro also supports the Rhinelander community by donating locally to places like the food pantry and library. To inspire a future generation of welders, AirPro also hosted shop class students from Rhinelander and Three Lakes High School to teach them about the trade and weld on their fans.
