Last November, Governor Doyle called for his Administration to meet with key manufacturers at a sustainable manufacturing roundtable. As a direct result of the meetings the sustainability manufacturing pilot program was formed. The program builds on the Governor's work over the past seven years to prepare Wisconsin manufacturers to succeed, and today, Wisconsin leads the nation in the percentage of workers in manufacturing.

Recently, Governor Jim Doyle announced the 50 companies that will participate in the Sustainable Manufacturing Pilot program, three of these 50 companies are from Chippewa Falls.  Cray Inc, Spectrum Industries and W.S. Darley The state is investing $1.75 million through the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership to help these manufacturers use sustainable practices to save money and gain a competitive edge.

"Today, I am proud to announce the 50 companies that will pilot this project and chart the future of manufacturing in Wisconsin," Governor Doyle said. "We know that investing in more efficient manufacturing is the best way to help our manufacturers thrive. Through this pilot program, we will create model companies and clear paths to success for small and mid-sized manufacturers looking to make sustainable investments."

The goal of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership is to create clean energy jobs in manufacturing, and help manufacturers invest in more efficient processes that minimize their impact on the environment, reduce their use of energy and natural resources, are safer for employees and consumers and - most importantly - improve their bottom line.

The companies included in this partnership represent a diverse cross section of the state's manufacturers. Over the next year, the 50 companies will receive assistance to cover up-front planning costs to assess and create plans to implement sustainable improvements to their businesses.