Business & Industry

The City of Jefferson, the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson Development Commission work together for continued economic development. Their goal is to focus on community issues that affect the city as a whole, such as downtown preservation and beautification. The Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium also plays a vital role in the city’s economic development.

Commercial, industrial and agricultural businesses are the foundation of a strong Jefferson economy. From family owned and operated businesses to international companies, Jefferson offers a variety that adds depth to the industrial base.

Jefferson is strategically located five miles south of I-94, and State Highways 18 and 26 run through the city. Jefferson is also one of the few cities that still has railroad access.

Several financial institutions (with assets exceeding $150,000,000) are located in Jefferson, and the city offers a revolving loan program, a redevelopment program and a façade grant program.

With both a North and South Industrial Park, Jefferson is expanding in terms of economic development.

Briggs and Stratton Portable Power Products manufactures portable generators, employs 700 and is located in the North Industrial Park. Milwaukee Delivery, Kendall Packaging, Toucan Embroidery and Screen Printing, Slewfoot Signs, and Parkway Center are also in the North Industrial Park. Atlas Cold Storage, LD Foods, Current Electric, Jefferson Transport Service, Jefferson Bus Co., and United Drilling Co. are located in the South Industrial Park. Anderson Machining Service (manufacturer of Harley Davidson parts) has about 90 employees, and is located near the South Industrial Park. There are also some rental units available in the park.

Jefferson’s earliest industrial and manufacturing companies are still here today. Tyson (1879), a meat processing and packing plant, employs 450. Nestle Purina PetCare (1910) manufactures pet food and employs 275. Cargill (1891) manufactures malt for beer and employs about 100.

The area is also home to Arrow Inc.; Foremost Buildings, Inc.; and Wisconsin Plastic Drain Tile Corp. The Jefferson Area Business Center is home to over 20 different businesses.