DISTRIBUTION AND MANUFACTURING FACILITIES TO REMAIN
On October 8, ACCO Brands' General Binding Corporation (GBC) celebrated a grand reopening for facilities in Pleasant Prairie. During the event, ACCO Brands, owner of GBC, announced that it has decided to maintain both a distribution facility and a manufacturing facility in Pleasant Prairie. Originally, the company had planned to move its Pleasant Prairie operations to Illinois. The company recently revised that decision, however, and decided to remain in Wisconsin.
HIGH QUALITY WORKFORCE AND STATE PARTNERSHIP KEY
Two of the main reasons cited in the decision were the presence of a high quality work force and a partnership with the State. During the announcement, Wisconsin Secretary of Commerce, Richard Leinenkugel, presented a $750,000 low-interest loan to ACCO Brands Chairman and CEO, Robert Keller, and Executive Vice President of the Americas, Boris Elisman, on behalf of Governor Doyle. The State was acting on a request made by the Kenosha Area Business Alliance.
OVER 100 JOBS TO REMAIN IN PLEASANT PRAIRIE
During the event, Elisman acknowledged that the predecessor company, General Binding Corporation, has been located in Pleasant Prairie for some time. He went on to explain that Pleasant Prairie is now the company's U. S. manufacturing center for paper clips, staple cartridges, punch and bind equipment, and binding supplies. ACCO's decision to retain manufacturing and distribution operations in Pleasant Prairie will keep more than 100 jobs in the community.
Village Administrator Mike Pollocoff publicly thanked representatives of the company and stated, “On behalf of our residents, staff and Village Board, thank you for choosing to grow your business in the Village of Pleasant Prairie.” Pollocoff also acknowledged the contribution of the local work force, as did other officials present. As part of the event, ACCO Chairman and CEO, Robert Keller, hosted a Town Hall meeting with employees of the Pleasant Prairie facilities. Several employee milestone anniversaries were also recognized.