LAC DU FLAMBEAU, Wis. — A cornerstone of the Lac du Flambeau economy is stepping into the future with the unveiling of a brand-new manufacturing facility. Simpson Electric, which has been a vital part of the regional industrial landscape since 1950, officially transitioned its operations this week to a modern, centralized location on Thoroughfare Road.
The move marks a significant upgrade for the company, which specializes in manufacturing electronic meters and specialized electric accessories. The new 20,000-square-foot site replaces older, aging infrastructure on Simpson Avenue, allowing the company to consolidate its molding, manufacturing, and assembly departments under one roof for the first time in recent history.
## Investing in Long-Term Sustainability
The transition was made possible through a strategic grant, which was further supplemented by the LDF Business Development Corporation to ensure the facility was built to modern specifications. For leadership at the LDF Business Development Corporation, the project is about more than just square footage; it is about infrastructure longevity.
Larry Turner, CEO of the LDF Business Development Corporation, emphasized that the decision to build was driven by a commitment to the region’s workforce. “It’s really our job to get this company ready for the next seven generations,” Turner noted during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. By streamlining production into a single, efficient facility, the company aims to stabilize its operations and continue the legacy of a business that has employed locals for decades, with some staff members boasting 40 to 60 years of tenure.
## A Modern Shift in Manufacturing
The new facility represents a major leap in operational efficiency. While many industries are grappling with the challenges of aging equipment and disjointed production chains, Simpson Electric is opting for a “one-roof” philosophy. This shift allows for tighter quality control and a more cohesive workflow between the molding and assembly teams.
Kevin Deckard, the company’s general manager, expressed optimism regarding this new chapter. For a company that has been a fixture of the Lac du Flambeau community for over 70 years, the move is less about changing the company’s identity and more about ensuring that identity remains competitive in the modern electrical components market.
## Preserving Economic Heritage
The ribbon-cutting event served as a celebration of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians’ commitment to industrial growth. Tribal President John Johnson Sr. highlighted the collaborative effort required to bring the project to completion, pointing to the tribal council’s support as the primary catalyst.
As the company prepares to shift its full manufacturing output to the new site in the coming weeks, the focus remains on the blend of deep-rooted experience and new technology. This commitment ensures that even as the company modernizes its physical footprint, the institutional knowledge of its veteran employees remains the backbone of its success.
By integrating modern, sustainable building standards with a long-standing reputation for quality, Simpson Electric is positioning itself to remain a primary economic engine in the Northwoods for decades to come. As the facility prepares for full-scale production, the community looks forward to a future where traditional manufacturing excellence meets the demands of a new generation.
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