More Than $14.5 Million in Energy Awards Recovery Funding Will Help 9 Wisconsin Companies Finish Energy-Efficiency Projects, Create and Retain More than 400 Jobs.

Governor Jim Doyle recently announced more than $14.5 million in funding to help nine industrial companies in Wisconsin complete energy efficiency projects and create and retain more than 400 jobs in the state.

�Wisconsin has a tremendous opportunity to be one of the greenest manufacturing states in the country,� Governor Doyle said.� �With this funding, we will be able to help these companies become more energy efficient, so they can retain their competitive edge, reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, and create good-paying jobs to support Wisconsin families.�

Gov. Doyle has called on the state to generate 25% percent of its electricity and 25% of its transportation fuels from renewable resources by 2025.

Under the governor�s plan, Wisconsin will also capture 10% of the market share for renewable energy by 2015 and use the state�s research capability to become the country�s leader in making alternative energy more affordable and available.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is providing the awards under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).� The $14.5 million in funding will be administered through Focus on Energy, Wisconsin�s statewide resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy.�

The projects announced today will save an estimated 1.21 trillion BTUs annually � enough energy to power 15,000 Wisconsin homes for a year, increasing overall energy efficiency by 45% and helping retain and create more than 400 jobs in Wisconsin.

According to the Department of Energy, the industrial sector uses more than 30% of U.S. energy and is responsible for nearly 30% of U.S. carbon emissions.

The following Wisconsin industrial companies will receive awards:

  • Briggs and Stratton Corporation of Wauwatosa � $1,290,585
  • Didion Milling, Inc. of Cambria � $5,593,700
  • Domtar Paper Company, LLC of Rothschild � $870,500
  • Kohler Company of Kohler � $1,717,666
  • NewPage Wisconsin System, Inc. of Wisconsin Rapids � $495,500
  • Quad/Graphics, Inc. of Sussex � $868,466
  • Thilmany Paper of Kaukauna � $1,071,100
  • Wausau Paper Specialty Products, LLC of Mosinee � $706,968
  • Wausau Paper Specialty Products, LLC of Rhinelander � $1,973,900