Sprinkman Corp. Expands to Waukesha Amid Craft Brewing Boom
W.M. Sprinkman Corp., a long-standing manufacturer in the Milwaukee area, has recently made a significant move to a new facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The relocation from their former home in Franksville to a larger, newly renovated space at 404 Pilot Court represents a $3.5 million investment and underscores the company’s continued growth, particularly within the craft brewing industry. The new facility offers nearly double the production space, allowing Sprinkman Corp. to meet the increasing demand for brewing equipment and expand its offerings for other food and beverage industries.
Over the past several years, the craft brewing boom has become a major driver of Sprinkman Corp.’s business. According to company president Brian Sprinkman, the brewing industry now accounts for nearly half of the company’s annual revenue, a notable increase from 2012 when it comprised about 25% of sales. This growth reflects the rapid expansion of the U.S. craft brewery scene, which saw the number of breweries, including brewpubs, grow from 2,401 in 2012 to 4,225 in 2015, according to the Brewers Association.
Sprinkman Corp.’s expertise in providing high-quality equipment has made it a trusted partner for both small and large breweries. Recently, the company collaborated with Lakefront Brewery Inc. to optimize their brewing process, reducing the time needed to brew a batch of beer from four hours to approximately three hours and 15 minutes. This type of innovative support is invaluable for brewers looking to enhance productivity and product quality. Sprinkman Corp. also serves major players such as MillerCoors and other beverage and dairy product companies like Kerry Group, which recently expanded its operations in Jackson, Wisconsin.
The decision to move to Waukesha was driven by several factors. The new 45,000-square-foot facility offers ample production space compared to the 25,000-square-foot Franksville location. It features overhead cranes for lifting heavy equipment, a key capability that supports the company’s growing workload. Additionally, the facility’s location provides better access to a larger pool of skilled workers. To further support employee needs, Sprinkman Corp. is collaborating with Waukesha County Technical College on potential training programs.
The move, however, was not without its challenges. The 35-mile distance between the Franksville and Waukesha facilities prompted careful consideration. To address employee concerns, Sprinkman Corp. offered travel allowances and flexible work schedules to mitigate the impact of longer commutes and traffic congestion caused by construction projects. While three employees chose not to make the transition, the company retained a strong workforce, with 61 employees now based in Waukesha and an additional 57 employees at its facility in Elroy, Wisconsin.
For commercial real estate agents in Kenosha and southeastern Wisconsin, Sprinkman Corp.’s expansion highlights the importance of location and adaptability in industrial real estate. The move demonstrates how businesses can thrive by strategically positioning themselves to meet both market demand and workforce needs. The craft brewing boom and growing demand for food and beverage processing equipment present new opportunities for commercial real estate agents in Kenosha to connect businesses with properties that support expansion and innovation.
Sprinkman Corp.’s journey reflects the dynamic nature of Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector. From its roots in the dairy industry to its current focus on craft brewing and beyond, the company exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a forward-thinking approach to growth. With its new Waukesha facility, Sprinkman Corp. is poised to continue riding the wave of demand, serving a diverse range of clients and tapping into new markets.
In conclusion, the move to Waukesha positions Sprinkman Corp. for continued success, leveraging expanded production capabilities and proximity to skilled labor to meet growing market demands. This expansion not only benefits the company but also contributes to the region’s economic vitality, offering insights and opportunities for commercial real estate agents and industry stakeholders alike. As Sprinkman Corp. continues to grow, it exemplifies the potential for manufacturers to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly evolving market.
