Marchant Schmidt, Inc. (MSI), based in Fond du Lac, WI, purchased a factory in the industrial park on South Townline Rd. and plans to begin manufacturing September of 2022. MSI owner, Richard Schmidt, and wife Dee Ann, along with their four children, purchased a home on Big Silver Lake five years ago. Schmidt says he absolutely loves the Waushara County area and that prompted him to invest in a manufacturing facility here.
This will become the second satellite factory for Marchant Schmidt: European branch in Bromsgrove, England, and now Wautoma. MSI employs over 200 team members throughout the three locations. “Our success comes from having a very dedicated team of people who focus on serving our customer’s needs” says Schmidt.
Marchant Schmidt, Inc. is a family owned and operated company with over 59 years of experience. What started as a local blacksmith shop is now known throughout the world as a leader in hygienic converting and automation equipment for the food industry. This includes building complete cheese converting lines that consist of production and packaging equipment.
Quality and efficiency are the focus as they build to the rigorous hygienic and automated requirements of their customers. “Wisconsin is the #1 cheese producer [in the country] and Marchant Schmidt manufactures some of the finest automation equipment for cheese cutting and shredding, domestic and internationally” said David Foley, Chief Operating Officer for MSI.
Foley said he assisted with the acquisition for the Wautoma location and believes this will help their team grow and increase production capacity by tapping into another workforce. Becky Olejniczak, Human Resources, said that they are looking to hire welder/machine builders, metal finishers and CNC machinists. “Stainless fabrication is an art form as requires attention to detail” she said. “In Wautoma there will be a variety of products manufactured including our standard converting equipment and components”.
Marchant Schmidt’s hiring is underway for the Wautoma plant. Jason Jakubowski, Redgranite, was recently hired as the Wautoma plant supervisor. Foley said that once the initial 20 - 25 employees are hired there will be onsite training in August. Their goal is to have production underway by mid-September. As the past two years have been their biggest years ever, Marchant Schmidt has concentrated on long term plans for growth that include further opportunities for their customers.
For more information about Marchant Schmidt manufacturing and hiring opportunities go to their website: marchantschmidt.com
The history of Marchant Schmidt: The company was started by Richard’s father, Lyle C. Schmidt, and partner Harold Marchant in 1963. The original focus of the company was to assist local farmers and area businesses in the fabrication, welding, and repair. Since that time, the company has grown into a worldwide leader in providing complete hygienic automation solutions for the food industry...
W7781 State Rd. 21 & 73 Wautoma, WI 54982
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