Northern Gear Making a Move to Muskego

The all-important Moorland corridor will see a big new neighbor to the GE Medical facility as Northern Gear LLC, a machining company from Franklin, has made an initial agreement with Muskego to begin building.

The Common Council agreed to have the city serve as a conduit issuer for $7.2 million in industrial revenue bonds, which allows the company to borrow at a lower interest rate. The city will not be liable for any payment or interest on the bonds, and it will not affect the city's ability to borrow in the future, as it appears in name only on the bond.

In addition, a TIF 10 district was created to further create an incentive to build on the site, which is just south of the GE Medical facility along Moorland Road, just across from Walmart. Community Development Director Jeff Muenkel explained to the council that the company will need the incentives for site improvements as well as moving costs to bring equipment from Franklin.

The company employs 95 workers, and could add about 10 more in the future, according to Ronald Janusz, president of Northern Gear.

"We thought the location was ideal, with the close proximity to I-43," he said. "We have employees that come in from Glendale as well as Racine, so I think this is more central for everyone."

This marks the second major announcement for Muskego's industrial commerce in recent weeks, with Tollefsen Steel moving to the city from Menomonee Falls earlier this year.

More details on the construction will be available as the company plans to make its formal presentation to the Plan Commission Tuesday, April 2.