"Companies have a choice when deciding to expand, and Fresenius Kabi's choice to establish a regional distribution center in Pleasant Prairie is a testament to Wisconsin's strong business climate and dedicated workforce," said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state's lead economic development organization. "This investment will allow Fresenius Kabi to position itself for continued growth and success, as well as bring family-supporting jobs to the region."

"As part of a larger U.S. supply chain expansion that Fresenius Kabi is undertaking, the Pleasant Prairie location will serve as our flagship distribution center in the U.S. and allow us to better serve hospitals and other customers in the central part of the country," said Brian Bulgarelli, senior vice president of supply chain with Fresenius Kabi USA. "All the supply chain enhancements we are making by being in Wisconsin, as well as South Carolina and Nevada, will support our continued growth and award-winning customer service."

Fresenius Kabi (www.fresenius-kabi.com/us) is a global health care company that specializes in medicines and technologies for infusion, transfusion and clinical nutrition. The company's products and services are used to help care for critically and chronically ill patients. The company's U.S. headquarters is in Lake Zurich, Illinois. The company's global headquarters is in Bad Homburg, Germany.

WEDC is supporting the project by authorizing up to $500,000 in state income tax credits over the next four years. The actual amount of tax credits Fresenius Kabi will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created during that period.

The project includes a 590,000-square-foot facility at Stateline 94 Corporate Park in Pleasant Prairie that will serve as a regional distribution center for Fresenius Kabi's Midwestern and Southern customers within the U.S. The project is expected to create 95 jobs, and positions will include distribution, quality assurance, inventory, maintenance and office management. The company expects to invest more than $15 million to complete the project.

Local officials applauded the company's decision to locate in Kenosha County.

"Kenosha County is excited to welcome Fresenius Kabi to Wisconsin and we look forward to working with and supporting the global health care company for years to come," said Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser. "Kenosha County is in a perfect location for innovative companies like Fresenius Kabi to access markets across the country and to access a highly skilled regional workforce."

"Pleasant Prairie congratulates Fresenius Kabi on its growth," said Pleasant Prairie Village Administrator Nathan Thiel. "With an incredibly supportive business community, skilled workforce, and great quality of life, we are confident that the company will excel here."

In addition to the 95 jobs expected to be created by the company, an economic modeling study by WEDC estimates the project could indirectly generate 110 additional jobs in the region. These 205 new jobs are expected to generate more than $2 million in state income tax revenue over a five-year period.

About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing and maximizing opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment. Working with more than 600 regional and local partners, WEDC develops and delivers solutions representative of a highly responsive and coordinated economic development network. Visit wedc.org or follow WEDC on Twitter @WEDCNews to learn more.